cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Family planning services in adolescent pregnancy prevention: the views of key informants in four countries.

Context: Rates of adolescent pregnancy vary widely in the developed world. The prevention of adolescent pregnancy in the United States might be improved by comparing the provision of family planning services in the United States with that in some other developed countries. Methods: Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 75 key informants (clinicians, politicians, public health administrators, social and behavioral scientists, and antiabortion activists) in Great Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United States. Inductive, systematic qualitative analysis was performed on verbatim transcripts of these interviews. Results: Across all four countries, interviewees described optimal family planning services for adolescents as those that include accessible, comprehensive and multidisciplinary care provided in confidence by nonjudgmental staff with good counseling and communication skills. Interviewees in Sweden and the Netherlands described a close liaison between family planning services and local schools, while key informants in the United States reported parental resistance to such coordination. Interviewees in the Netherlands and Sweden observed that family planning staffs in their countries have a clear sense of “ownership” of family planning services and better job-related prestige than did interviewees in Great Britain. Respondents in all countries except Sweden reported that providers are not always comfortable providing confidential care to teenagers. This was a particular concern for family planning providers in Great Britain who have patients younger than 16. Respondents in all countries except the United States thought that a “user-friendly” procedure for contraceptive provision should not require a pelvic examination. Finally, interviewees felt that governmental support in the Netherlands and Sweden seems to have led to adequate financing of family planning services, while in the United States, interviewees reported that there seems to be little governmental, medical or familial support for preventive health care, including family planning services. Conclusions: As described by key informants, the family planning services available to teenagers in the Netherlands and Sweden have many of the features identified by respondents from all four countries as those that would characterize ideal family planning services for adolescents.
Memory, Race, and Place

Historical archaeologists are increasingly studying the formation, operation, and maintenance of racial groups in the past and the ways in which individual memories are transformed into shared social memories through the acts of remembering, forgetting, and imagining. Drawing on historical and archaeological data and oral history, this paper considers the intersection of race, landscape, and memory at archaeological sites throughout the American South, including Poplar Forest, a plantation located in Virginia’s western piedmont. These studies illustrate how memory and race intersected throughout physical and social landscapes. The discussion is grounded in the belief that changing physical landscapes structure and reflect negotiations of race and inform historical memory.
Integrated microfluidic bioprocessor for solid phase capture immunoassays

A microfluidic device for solid-phase immunoassays based on microparticle labeling is developed using microvalve-control structures for automated sample processing. Programmable microvalve control in a multilayer structure provides automated sample delivery, adjustable hydrodynamic washing and compatibility with a wide range of substrates. Capture antibodies are derivatized on glass surfaces within the processor using an APTES patterning method, and magnetic microspheres conjugated with a secondary detection antibody are used as labels in a capture-sandwich format. In this microfluidic processor, washing force can be precisely controlled to remove the nonspecifically bound microparticles. Automated microfluidic immunoassays are demonstrated for mouse immunoglobulin (IgG) and human prostate specific antigen (PSA) with limits of detection of 1.8 and 3 pM, respectively. The sample processor architecture is easily parallelized for high-throughput analysis and easily interfaced with various assay substrates.
β1-Adrenergic Receptor Association with PSD-95 INHIBITION OF RECEPTOR INTERNALIZATION AND FACILITATION OF β1-ADRENERGIC RECEPTOR INTERACTION WITHN-METHYL-d-ASPARTATE RECEPTORS

Abstract The β1-adrenergic receptor (β1AR) is the most abundant subtype of β-adrenergic receptor in the mammalian brain and is known to potently regulate synaptic plasticity. To search for potential neuronal β1AR-interacting proteins, we screened a rat brain cDNA library using the β1AR carboxyl terminus (β1AR-CT) as bait in the yeast two-hybrid system. These screens identified PSD-95, a multiple PDZ domain-containing scaffolding protein, as a specific binding partner of the β1AR-CT. This interaction was confirmed by in vitro fusion protein pull-down and blot overlay experiments, which demonstrated that the β1AR-CT binds specifically to the third PDZ domain of PSD-95. Furthermore, the full-length β1AR associates with PSD-95 in cells, as determined by co-immunoprecipitation experiments and immunofluorescence co-localization studies. The interaction between β1AR and PSD-95 is mediated by the last few amino acids of the β1AR, and mutation of the β1AR carboxyl terminus eliminated the binding and disrupted the co-localization of the β1AR and PSD-95 in cells. Agonist-induced internalization of the β1AR in HEK-293 cells was markedly attenuated by PSD-95 co-expression, whereas co-expression of PSD-95 has no significant effect on either desensitization of the β1AR or β1AR-induced cAMP accumulation. Furthermore, PSD-95 facilitated the formation of a complex between the β1AR andN-methyl-d-aspartate receptors, as assessed by co-immunoprecipitation. These data reveal that PSD-95 is a specific β1AR binding partner that modulates β1AR function and facilitates physical association of the β1AR with synaptic proteins, such as theN-methyl-d-aspartate receptors, which are known to be regulated by β1AR stimulation.
Modeling and optimization of traveling-wave LiNbO/sub 3/ interferometric modulators

The characteristics of high-speed LiNbO/sub 3/ electrooptic interferometric modulators/switches are discussed from the viewpoint of optimization of device performance. Specific calculations of the impedance, effective microwave index, and microwave attenuation parameter are presented as a function of the microwave electrode parameters including the buffer layer thickness. The authors have found that the optimization procedure is considerably simplified when the range of electrode and microwave parameters that satisfy a given bandwidth requirement is first determined. >
Application Of Predictive Compression Methods To Synthetic Aperture Radar Imagery II

Owing to the rapidly decaying autocorrelation function of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery, predictive compression methods have not been widely used in image coding systems designed for SAR data. Because of the uncorrelated nature of SAR data, the prediction system design problem is approached in this paper from the point of view of statistics matching and decorrelation of reconstruction errors rather than minimization of the mean square error. It is demonstrated on 6 m resolution SAR magnitude data that a simple predictive coding system utilizing an unadaptive moving-average (MA) predictor and a Gaussian optimal quantizer can result in satisfactory reconstructed imagery at compression ratios of 2:1 to 4:1. Advantages of MA predictors are their lack of stability problems and their limited memory in the presence of channel errors.
Pilocytic Astrocytoma Presenting as an Orbital Encephalocele: A Case Report

We describe the case of a 29-year-old male who presented with new-onset seizures. He was subsequently found to have an orbital encephalocele containing a focus of pilocytic astrocytoma. We believe that this is the first report of a pilocytic astrocytoma located within the orbit that did not originate from the optic pathway. It is also the first case of a pilocytic astrocytoma completely contained within an encephalocele. This case suggests a close pathological examination of encephaloceles for underlying diseases.
Social Science and Ill‐Natured Animosity: A Case from Educational Research

Using information acquired from 36 formal interviews with researchers, advocates, fund ing agents, and journalists, many of whom he has known for several years, Jeffrey R. Henig sets out to probe the relationships between social scien tists and others in the politically charged controversy involving charter schools. Indeed, he selects his topic well: Situated somewhere between private and public schools, charter schools have generated so much ill-natured animosity that they easily rank among the most controversial educational research issues of all
On authority distributions in organizations: equilibrium

Abstract One assumption in the Shapley–Shubik power index is that there is no interaction nor influence among the voting members. This paper will apply the command structure of Shapley (1994) to model members' interaction relations by simple games. An equilibrium authority distribution is then formulated by the power-in/power-out mechanism. It turns out to have much similarity to the invariant measure of a Markov chain and therefore some similar interpretations are followed for the new setting. In some sense, one's authority distribution quantifies his general administrative power in the organization and his long-run influence on all members. We provide a few applications in conflict resolution, college and journal ranking, and organizational choice.
A new species in section Arachis of peanuts with a D genome

Arachis glandulifera Stalker is a diploid (2n = 2x = 20) taxon in section Arachis native to eastern Bolivia. Plants of A. glandulifera have longer lateral branches than other taxa of section Arachis, an upright mainstem, prostrate lateral branches, and larger flowers and seeds than other wild species in the section. The pods are greatly reticulated. Glandular trichomes are present on vegetative plant parts and the peg. Intraspecific hybrids among four accessions are fertile and uniformly have ten bivalents in pollen mother cells. Three accessions had nearly identical karyotypes, while a fourth had subtelocentric chromosomes 6 and 9. Hybrids between A. glandulifera and two other diploid species of section Arachis were male-sterile, and chiasmata frequencies ranged between 5.8 and 12.1 per cell. Attempts to hybridize the species with A hypogaea failed. A new species description and D genomic classification are proposed for A. glandulifera, which is different from previously described A and B genomes of section Arachis.
Financial incentives for childhood immunization.

For "at least half a century, economists have believed that governments should use financial incentives to correct many social problems" [Baumol and Mills, 1984]. Yet "when one plunges into the previous work on incentives, one is struck . . by the abundance of exhortation urging greater use of incentive plans, and by the dearth of useful propositions about . . how such schemes have worked in practice . . ." [Church and Heumann, 1989]. This article briefly describes the experience of two nations that use monetary rewards to increase childhood immunization rates. The cases have appeared in a suggested economics curriculum [Hemenway, 1994].
The Influence of Artificial and Physical Factors upon Predictability Estimates Using a Complex Limited-Area Model

Abstract Recently, optimistic reports have appeared indicating that mesoscale circulations are more predictable than synoptic scale circulations. These have been based on studies using limited-area meso-α-scale forecast models. Warnings have also appeared suggesting that these results are party artifacts of the experimental and model designs, particularly strong diffusion and an “error sweeping effect” of lateral boundaries. We demonstrate that an additionally important effect of the lateral boundaries is to restrict the scales at which errors can grow: if the domain is sufficiently large, forecast differences grow with time, but only at large scales. Our results show a strong sensitivity to synoptic situation and selection of an initial perturbation. Experiments with and without topography reveal that predictability is enhanced due to systematic topographic forcing. Detailed scale analysis of forecast differences and comparison with global model results indicate that the predictability using limited-area...
Tumor markers for breast cancer

Many antigenic and genetic markers have been proposed for breast cancer, with potential utility in identification, screening, prognosis, detection, or monitoring. Of the available markers, those with the greatest promise in 1993 include the yet-to-be-cloned BrCa1, the p53 tumor suppressor gene, tissue-associated prognostic factors such as HER-2/neu, cathepsin-D, and indicators of angiogenesis, and circulating tumor markers that provide an indication of clinical course, such as CA15-3 and CEA. However, the precise clinical utilities of all of these markers have yet to be determined. It is especially important that the relative independence of the markers in relation to other available markers to determined so as to avoid the unnecessary cost and expense of redundancy. Moreover, it is important that the clinician be aware of the limitations in both sensitivity and specificity of each marker so as not to sensitivity and specificity of each marker so as not to over- or under-interpret the predictive value of any test. With these caveats in mind, judicial application of germ-line, tissue, and soluble tumor markers can improve clinical care of patients at risk for and with breast cancer.
Brainstem Evoked Responses to Paired-Click Stimuli: The Use of Digital Response Subtraction

Brainstem evoked responses were obtained to 60-dB nHL clicks and click pairs presented at 27/s. Paired-click intervals ranged from 9.8 to 0.5 ms. 6 normal-hearing young adults served as subjects. Derived responses were obtained by digital response subtraction of single-click from paired-click responses. Wave V was observed to unsubtracted click 2 of the click pair at paired-click intervals down to 4 ms. Wave V of the derived (subtracted) click 2 response was observed for paired-click intervals down to 1 ms. To assess additivity, the click 1 response of the click pair was compared to the single-click response, and the unsubtracted click 2 response was compared to the derived click 2 response. At longer paired-click intervals, wave V latency was greater for click 1 of the click pair than for the single-click response. This latency difference decreases at shorter paired-click intervals and is attributed to adaptation of click 1 by click 2 of the previous pair. Wave V amplitudes for single-click and paired-cl...
The Role of Titanium Surface Microtopography on Adhesion, Proliferation, Transformation, and Matrix Deposition of Corneal Cells.

Purpose Titanium (Ti) is an excellent implantable biomaterial that can be further enhanced by surface topography optimization. Despite numerous data from orthopedics and dentistry, the effect of Ti surface topography on ocular cells is still poorly understood. In light of the recent adaptation of Ti in the Boston Keratoprosthesis artificial cornea, we attempted to perform an extended evaluation of the effect of Ti surface topography on corneal cell adhesion, proliferation, cytotoxicity, transformation, and matrix deposition. Methods Different surface topographies were generated on medical grade Ti-6Al-4V-ELI (extra-low interstitial), with linearly increased roughness (polished to grit blasted). Biological response was evaluated in vitro using human corneal limbal epithelial (HCLE) cells, stromal fibroblasts (HCF), and endothelial cells (HCEnC). Results None of the Ti surface topographies caused cytotoxicity to any of the three corneal cell types. However, rough Ti surface inhibited HCLE and HCF cell adhesion and proliferation, while HCEnC proliferation was unaffected. Long-term experiments with HCF revealed that rough Ti surface with R(a) (the arithmetic average of the profile height from the mean line) ≥ 1.15 μm suppressed HCF focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation, changed fibroblast morphology, and caused less aligned and reduced deposition of collagen matrix as compared to smooth Ti (R(a) ≤ 0.08 μm). In the presence of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) stimulation, rough Ti inhibited alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and collagen deposition, leading to decreased myofibroblast transformation and disorganization of the collagen fibrils as compared to smooth Ti. Conclusions This study suggests that Ti surface topography regulates corneal cell behavior in a tissue-dependent manner that varies across the corneal strata. Contrary to the accepted paradigm, smooth surface topography can enhance cell adhesion and proliferation and increase matrix deposition by corneal cells.
The effect of pre-fast diet and transport on nitrogen metabolism of calves.

Two trials were conducted to determine the effects of transport stress and pre-transport diet on N losses, blood chemistry and ruminal variables of steers. In each trial, 16 crossbred steers (261 kg avg weight) were assigned to four groups in a 2 X 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Treatments consisted of either transported or non-transported groups and two pre-transport dietary regimens (alfalfa hay or a 50% concentrate diet fed for 3 d before fasting). The alfalfa hay contained 14.6% crude protein (CP) and had a calculated metabolizable energy (ME) content of 1.92 mcal/kg. The 50% concentrate diet contained 15.5% CP and had a calculated ME content of 2.23 mcal/kg. Steers in the transport group were transported for 13 h in trial 1 and 46 h in trial 2, while the remaining steers were not transported. Both groups were withheld from feed and water during the observation periods. Urine and feces were collected and blood samples were obtained at intervals during the observation periods. Transport increased (P less than .05) urinary and total N excretion and nonevaporative water losses compared with fasting alone. Calves fed the 50% concentrate diet had lower N and nonevaporative water losses than calves fed hay, probably due to lower pre-fast N and water intakes. Ruminal total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations and molar proportions of propionate and butyrate declined (P less than .05) with time in all groups, while molar proportions of acetate and minor VFA increased. Results of these trials indicate transportation stress can cause a significant increase in total N excretion and nonevaporative water loss compared with feed and water deprivation alone. Losses of N and water were lower in calves fed a 50% concentrate diet rather than hay for 3 d before the fasting period, probably because of lower pre-fast N and water intakes.
A Question of Fairness: The Proper Standard of Review of School Board Just and Reasonable Cause Determinations in Teacher Termination Proceedings in Idaho

This article argues that judicial review of a school board’s just and reasonable cause determination in Idaho must be under a de novo, i.e. independent and non-deferential, standard of review. The article discusses Idaho’s administrative and judicial review procedures for teacher discharge and nonrenewal cases based on a just and reasonable cause determination by the school board. The article then discusses procedural due process principles, which require that administrative and judicial review procedures provide a level playing field upon which the teacher’s right to continued employment is determined. The article argues that de novo review, rather than some lesser, more deferential standard, must apply to review of school board just and reasonable cause determinations. The article concludes by identifying and discussing the types of administrative hearing and judicial review systems that must be in place to satisfy due process requirements.
The diagnosis and management of disease caused by M. avium complex, M. kansasii, and other mycobacteria

Because mycobacteria other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis are common in the environment and yet are infrequent causes of disease in humans, their isolation from a clinical specimen must be carefully evaluated before concluding that disease exists. It is often necessary to accumulate and weigh a cascade of various clinical factors before a diagnosis can be made. Mycobacterium avium complex has emerged as an increasingly important pathogen, particularly in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Even after the diagnosis of disease has been established, its management must be carefully individualized because highly effective treatment regimens are not available except for Mycobacterium kansasii. A scheme to categorize patients with M. avium complex according to the nature of their disease, together with subsequent management strategies, is presented.
Association between resource utilization and patient satisfaction at a tertiary care medical center.

BACKGROUND The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has emphasized patient satisfaction as a means by which hospitals should be compared and as a component of financial reimbursement. We sought to identify whether resource utilization is associated with patient satisfaction ratings. DESIGN This was a retrospective, cohort study over a 27-month period from January 2012 to April 2014 of adult respondents (n = 10,007) to the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey at a tertiary care medical center. For each returned survey, we developed a resource intensity score related to the corresponding hospitalization. We calculated a raw satisfaction rating (RSR) for each returned survey. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between resource intensity and top decile RSRs, using those with the lowest resource intensity as the reference group. RESULTS Adjusting for age, gender, insurance payer, severity of illness, and clinical service, patients in higher resource intensity groups were more likely to assign top decile RSRs than the lowest resource intensity group (“moderate” [adjusted odds ratio {aOR}: 1.42, 95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.11-1.83], “major” [aOR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.22-2.01], and “extreme” [aOR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.8-2.92]). CONCLUSIONS Resource utilization may be positively associated with patient satisfaction. These data suggest that hospitals with higher per-patient expenditures may receive higher ratings, which could result in hospitals with higher per-patient resource utilization appearing more attractive to healthcare consumers. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Stationary Solutions for Bilinear Systems with Constant Coefficients

Recently an intensive study has been done for bilinear systems. There are many models in engineering, biology and socioeconomics, Mohler-Kolodziej(1980), which are nonlinear and/or nongaussian. Linear approximations do not describe them adequately. A large subclass of the nonlinear models, Gilbert(1978), Rugh(1981), which are possibly the closest to the linear ones, are the bilinear systems. These are defined as input-output systems which are linear with respect to either the input or the output, when one of them is fixed.
Draba ucuncha and D. xylopoda (Brassicaceae), Two New Peruvian Species from La Libertad

The new species Draba ucuncha Al-Shehbaz and D. xylopoda Al-Shehbaz are described and illustrated, and their relationships to closest South American species are discussed. Each is known from a couple of localities in the Department La Libertad, and their IUCN status is determined. An estimation of the New World species of Draba L. is given.
Role of clays in fouling-resistant clay-embedded polyelectrolyte multilayer membranes for wastewater effluent treatment

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to investigate the effects of cation exchange capacity (CEC) and location of clay nanoplatelets on the structure and performance of clay-embedded polyelectrolyte multilayer (c-PEM) membranes for wastewater effluent treatment. Two kinds of clay nanoplatelets, montmorillonite and kaolin, were deposited on the ultrafiltration membrane by employing layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly with poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). Negatively charged clay platelets or PAA interacted with positively charged PAH to form a bilayer in the c-PEM membrane. The filtration effect of clay platelets was successively distinguished from PEM by reducing the number of (PAH/PAA) bilayers from four to one, while keeping the clay layer at the outermost layer of assembly. When the clay platelets were deposited only as the outermost layer of the LbL multilayers, the c-PEM membrane with one clay layer and one bilayer assembly showed significant flux barrier and fouling resistance. Clay p...
And, Yet it Moves

Is there anything on which everyone can agree? That’s the trouble with ‘truth.’ Everyone seeks it, and controversy occurs when it’s found. Can there be contradictory truths? If something is believed to be true, can it be replaced by a new truth? Is there anything that is an absolute truth unaffected by any changing conditions? Are controversies about truth arguments about relative truths, that is, ones that are so subject to certain circumstances and constraints? No one likes to be shown as wrong, but a seeker of truth must be willing to accept that possibility.
Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Changes in Behavioral Outcomes Using Functional Connectivity and Clinical Measures in Brain-Computer Interface Stroke Rehabilitation

The goal of this work is to evaluate if changes in brain connectivity can predict behavioral changes among subjects who have suffered stroke and have completed brain-computer interface (BCI) interventional therapy. A total of 23 stroke subjects, with persistent upper-extremity motor deficits, received the stroke rehabilitation therapy using a closed-loop neurofeedback BCI device. Over the course of the entire interventional therapy, resting-state fMRI were collected at two time points: prior to start and immediately upon completion of therapy. Behavioral assessments were administered at each time point via neuropsychological testing to collect measures on Action Research Arm Test, Nine-Hole Peg Test, Barthel Index and Stroke Impact Scale. Resting-state functional connectivity changes in the motor network were computed from pre- to post-interventional therapy and were combined with clinical data corresponding to each subject to estimate the change in behavioral performance between the two time-points using a machine learning based predictive model. Inter-hemispheric correlations emerged as stronger predictors of changes across multiple behavioral measures in comparison to intra-hemispheric links. Additionally, age predicted behavioral changes better than other clinical variables such as gender, pre-stroke handedness, etc. Machine learning model serves as a valuable tool in predicting BCI therapy-induced behavioral changes on the basis of functional connectivity and clinical data.
Influence of a carbon nanotube support and supercritical fluid reaction medium on Fe-catalyzed Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

Abstract To investigate the influence of a supercritical fluid reaction medium on nanoparticle-catalyzed Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS), Fe-based nanoparticle catalysts supported on carbon nanotubes were prepared and tested under both gas phase and supercritical FTS operating conditions. The nanoparticle catalysts displayed high activity, low CH 4 selectivity, and elevated oxygenate selectivity. Conversion and selectivity towards heavy, unhydrogenated products were elevated under supercritical operation. With K promotion, aldehydes were produced under both gas phase and supercritical conditions. This study demonstrated the necessity of K promotion for aldehyde production and demonstrated that appreciable amounts of aldehydes can be produced in gas phase, Fe-catalyzed FTS.
Abstract 165: Angiotensinogen M235T Modifies the Relationship between PAI-1 and Renal Blood Flow in Caucasian Hypertensive Individuals

Studies have reported an association of angiotensinogen (AGT) gene polymorphisms with hypertension and renal blood flow (RBF). The T allele of rs699 (AGT 235T) is associated with increased levels of angiotensinogen and reduced RBF. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is an inhibitor of the fibrinolytic pathway. Elevated PAI-1 is associated with increased renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activity and cardiovascular damage. We hypothesized that hypertensive individuals with the TT genotype of AGT 235 would display higher levels of PAI-1. We further hypothesized an inverse relationship would be observed between PAI-1 and RBF, and that the strength of this correlation would be dependent on genotype status. A total of 159 Caucasian hypertensive participants (mean age 49.3y, BMI 27.6) had data available for AGT235, PAI-1 and RBF from the HyperPATH study. RBF was measured by para-aminohippurate clearance method while on a liberal salt diet (>200 mmol Na/day for 1 week). Genotype frequencies were in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (MM 41/MT 94/TT 24). Multivariate regression demonstrated the TT genotype was associated with higher PAI-1 levels compared with MT + MM (41.0±8.1 v. 26.9±7.1ng/ml, p=0.005). Genotype status modified the relationship between PAI-1 and RBF whereby only the TT genotype showed a significant correlation after adjusting for age, BMI and BP (TT pr2=0.22, Beta= -1.66 p=0.001 v. MT+MM pr2=0.05, Beta= -0.82, p=0.21). AGT 235T is associated with elevated PAI-1 and influences the relationship between PAI-1 and RBF in Caucasian hypertensives. This provides mechanistic clues to explain the genetic underpinnings involving AGT polymorphisms and hypertension.
Super resolution for microwave imaging: A deep learning approach

We propose a method to significantly improve the spatial resolution for microwave imaging. Conventional inverse methods for microwave imaging produce images at varying levels of resolution but none of them are at the resolution sufficiently fine to be useful for a complex real-world problem, mainly because of limited availability of independent measurements. We ease the problem by providing additional information through learning. We incorporate learning using a convolutional neural network in the second stage of our proposed two-staged approach, where the first stage is a non-linear inversion approach. Our method can be used with any conventional method and can boost the resolution in all dimensions. The applicability of our method is demonstrated for a 2D microwave imaging problem for an upscale factor of 3. The results show that the proposed method can produce a better detailed higher resolution image.
Scattering from the stratified uniaxial anisotropic media in directional source excitation in the spectral domain

In order to evaluat the scattering from stratified uniaxial anisotropic media (UEAM) in directional source excitation in the spectral domain. In this way, the reflection field of an infinite ideal conductor plate coated with a uniform anisotropic dielectric layer is estimated, which involves every wave mode of the multiple reflections theoretically. Initially, the spectral formulas of radiation of point source in free space and in the electric anisotropic slab under point source excitation are proposed. The boundary conditions of the upper and lower surfaces of the anisotropic plate are then used to solve the complex amplitude of the scattering field in the spectral domain. Using the saddle point method (SPT) to approximate the scattering field in the airspace, the scattering field is obtained from the scattering field. The accuracy of the approximate solution is verified by comparison with the results of the method of moments (MOM).
Compressed sparse tensor based quadrature for vibrational quantum mechanics integrals

Abstract A new method for fast evaluation of high dimensional integrals arising in quantum mechanics is proposed. The method is based on sparse approximation of a high dimensional function followed by a low-rank compression. In the first step, we interpret the high dimensional integrand as a tensor in a suitable tensor product space and determine its entries by a compressed sensing based algorithm using only a few function evaluations. Secondly, we implement a rank reduction strategy to compress this tensor in a suitable low-rank tensor format using standard tensor compression tools. This allows representing a high dimensional integrand function as a small sum of products of low dimensional functions. Finally, a low dimensional Gauss–Hermite quadrature rule is used to integrate this low-rank representation, thus alleviating the curse of dimensionality . Numerical tests on synthetic functions, as well as on energy correction integrals for water and formaldehyde molecules demonstrate the efficiency of this method using very few function evaluations as compared to other integration strategies.
THE DEUTERON-EXCHANGE POLE IN P - 3He SCATTERING

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the normalization constant (C) that can be calculated from the momentum space 3He wave function by a simple extrapolation procedure, and the value of C calculated differs by only 15% from that obtained empirically by Bolsterli and Hale (BH). The discrepancy between the two values is reasonable in view of the assumptions made by BH concerning the (S)np exchange contribution, neglect of Coulomb effects, and the fact that the 3He binding energy associated with the wave function is too small by about 1.7 MeV. The 3He wave function used in the calculation of C is determined from a direct solution of the complete set of Faddeev equations. Because of the simplified form of the asymptotic 4He wave function used by BH, there is some arbitrariness in the choice of the asymptotic parameter of the wave function that is to be compared with the C parameter. A reasonable choice appears to be the parameter C defined in regard to the p-d (S) asymptotic portion of the center of mass 3He wave function.
Consumer demand for charitable purchases: Evidence from a field experiment on Girl Scout Cookie sales

Abstract We conduct a field experiment on Girl Scout Cookie sales at retail locations to explore the decisions to make charity-linked (impure public good) purchases and charitable donations (pure public good). We collect detailed sales data in Rutherford County, Tennessee over a seven-year time period and conduct a field experiment that randomly assigns specific cookie booths to receive a charitable bonus contribution for purchases of the impure or pure public good. The bonuses take several forms, which potentially affect warm-glow utility from a purchase, while holding the purchase price and utility from consumption constant. Matching donations are not only effective for increasing donations to charity (pure public good) but also generate spillovers for increasing cookie sales for consumption (impure public good). Charitable bonuses on individual varieties of cookies increase sales of those varieties. In our data, consumers are more sensitive to changes in the relative cost of pure donations to charity than they are to changes in the relative cost of charity associated with a cookie purchase.
High-performance PBT7-Th:PC70BM polymer photodiode with transferred charge blocking layers

Abstract We demonstrated a high performance low-bandgap organic polymer photodiode (OPD), with broadband spectrum, with transferred charge blocking layers. Besides the popular P3HT:PCBM bulk heterojucnction (BHJ) system, we investigated the OPD performance of PTB7-Th:PC70BM BHJ active layer with transfer printed charge blocking layer. To achieve higher performance OPD with lower dark current and higher responsivity, various device structures employing hole blocking layer (HBL) or and electron blocking layer (EBL) were investigated. A very low dark current of ∼5 nA/cm2 at reverse bias 0.5 V was achieved with BHJ active layer sandwiched between both HBL and EBL resulting in high specific detectivity of 1.48 × 1013 Jones at 700 nm. In addition, critical noise current measurement of the OPD was done to evaluate more accurately Noise Equivalent Power (NEP) value. It turned out that the shot noise is dominant over the thermal noise in the OPD verified by the in-depth noise analysis. More deliberate design of the device structure can deliver higher performance OPD cell with developed transfer printing method for use in organic photodetectors image sensors.
Gravity Evidence of Crustal Structure in the United States Appalachians

The pattern of anomalies on a wavelength-filtered residual gravity map (wavelengths shorter than 250 km) over the Appalachian basin is similar to that ascribed to a rift system in the central United States. The gravity pattern coincides laterally with thick carbonate deposits of Cambrian-Ordovician age that are associated with the continental shelf of late Precambrian-early Paleozoic North America. The anomalies must arise in the crust below the sedimentary sequence implying that development of the shelf was accompanied by subjacent rifting. A similar interpretation may be applied to gravity anomaly patterns in the Piedmont and western New England if allowance is made for rift-system exhumation and compression probably caused by continental collision. Second-order changes in gravity and magnetic trends in a zone extending from central Virginia to south-central Tennessee is interpreted as evidence of a transverse structural zone separating the central and southern Appalachians. A complementary regional gravity map (wavelengths longer than 250 km) is dominated by a northeast-trending gradient extending from northeast Alabama to the southeast coast of Maine. It is interpreted as the trace of the suture zone between the continental plates that converged in Paleozoic time. The distribution of earthquakes in the Appalachians can be associated with structures derived from the gravity maps.
Advanced Fusion MHD Power Conversion Using the CFAR Cycle Concept

The CFAR (compact fusion advanced Rankine) concept for a tokamak reactor involves the use of a high-temperature Rankine cycle in combination with microwave superheaters and nonequilibrium MHD disk generators to obtain a compact, low-capital-cost power conversion system which fits almost entirely within the reactor vault. The significant savings in the balance-of-plant costs are expected to result in much lower costs of electricity than previous concepts. This paper describes the unique features of the CFAR cycle and a high-temperature blanket designed to take advantage of it as well as the predicted performance of the MHD disk generators using mercury seeded with cesium.
Intercultural Competence: Teaching It Is Worthwhile

This chapter examines the process and context of teaching intercultural competence and its potential benefits. Based on a pragmatic analysis of the culture concept, we conceptualize intercultural competence in keeping with contemporary theoretical proposals. An overview of current research demonstrates the utility of the concept, even if there are caveats and limitations. We discuss the process of how intercultural competence might be acquired and its practical implications for intercultural interaction, which we illustrate using various scenarios. The chapter then reviews a range of diverse methods that have been used to teach intercultural competence and highlights the solid empirical basis for the success of experiential teaching. Special attention is also paid to potential risks associated with teaching intercultural competence. Overall, we conclude that teaching intercultural competence is a worthwhile endeavor but point to a number of unresolved questions to be tackled by future research.
Stop! Don’t Share That Story!: Designing a Pop-Up Undergraduate Workshop on Fake News

ABSTRACTFor the past few years librarians across the country have been leaders in the fight against fake news. This article describes an hour-long drop-in lesson given to undergraduate students on ...
Use of a 'pose rate' to quantify yoga.

Abstract Objective: To develop a method that describes the physical activity completed during yoga, and to use this method to compare three different yoga video categories: weight loss, beginner, and stress relief/meditation. Design: This study conducted content analysis of commercially available yoga videos in which pre-determined characteristics of yoga routines were recorded. Outcome measures included the yoga routine characteristics of: duration of each yoga routine, number of completed poses, body position of each pose, and pose rate. Results: Twenty-two routines from yoga videos were analyzed. Duration of routine between the three different categories was not significantly different. There were significant differences between the video categories based on the characteristics of total number of poses and the pose rate, with weight loss routines having the highest values compare to beginner routines and stress relief/meditation (total number of poses: 74.1, 34.3, 25.6 poses, p Conclusions: The characteristics of total poses, pose rate, and total standing poses showed significant differences between different styles of yoga. Further research should be conducted to validate these characteristics as an intensity measures and to assess if these characteristics have variations between different yoga styles.
Engaging the Next Generation in Preserving Key Oral Histories of Pioneering Engineers

Initiatives to designate and recognize important events in engineering and technology history, such as the IEEE Milestones program, are just part of one set of ways to help preserve and promote that history. Another approach is to collect oral history interviews with those involved in such events. At the same time, there is a growing global recognition that women-over one-half of Earth's population-have been underrepresented in engineering. Both Milestones and oral histories offer an opportunity to preserve and promote the accomplishments of women as part of the efforts to recruit more women into engineering This paper chronicles an ongoing project, begun five years ago by Prof. Mary Lanzerotti when she was at the Air Force Institute of Technology, to have women in the earliest stages of technical careers conduct and process oral history interviews of living female leaders in science, technology, and mathematics. The IEEE History Center has been a partner of the project since the beginning, and hosts the finished oral history transcripts; the Center for the History of Physics at the American Institute of Physics has since joined as a partner as well. To date, interviewees have been based in the U.S. and in Taiwan, but further international expansion is envisioned. This program is unique because it simultaneously fills a number of important functions. It preserves the memories of these important leaders, and enhances the IEEE's oral history collection. It creates a record for students of role models in the careers they are considering. It enables the participating students to have one-on-one conversations with this role model, and opens up the possibility for mentorship. Finally, the oral histories are structured so that the responses of the interviewees contribute to research on how women choose STEM careers and what barriers they face in pursuing those careers. This paper will present the background of the project and the results to date, and will discuss the impact at the present and the potential for future impact and scaling up the project.
Use of Single Wall Carbon Nanotube films doped with Triethyloxonium Hexachlorantimonate as a Transparent Back Contact for CdTe Solar Cells

Highly conductive transparent films were formed by doping single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) networks with triethyloxonium hexachlorantimonate (OA). This doping can result in complete quenching of the SWCNT absorption features in the visible and infra-red (IR) range leaving an IR transparent film. These doped SWCNT films were investigated for possible use as a transparent back contact for CdTe-based devices. One particular goal is the development of tunnel junction for use in tandem cells. The transmittance of device stacks with and without an OA-doped SWCNT back contact was nearly identical. However, it was found that during the doping process, the OA interacted more strongly with the CdTe layer than the SWCNTs, resulting in reduced device performance. The average power conversion efficiency decreased from 11.8% for a standard Cu/Au back contacted device to 10.6% for the OA-doped SWCNT back contacted device.
Proton versus conventional radiotherapy for pediatric salivary gland tumors: Acute toxicity and dosimetric characteristics.

10040 Background: Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) is often a component of treatment for high-risk salivary gland tumors. Minimizing irradiation of surrounding normal tissues is particularly important fo...
Recent Updates to Transistor Level Reliability Analysis

Transistor level reliability analysis has been available for many years. However, recently new challenges have emerged as FinFET technology has been adopted to maintain process scaling. The reliability models used for planar CMOS transistors no longer fits the degradation data of FinFET transistors. New and more accurate reliability models for FinFET transistors are needed. Also, increased interest in design for automotive and industrial applications is another major driver for reliability analysis development. Another consideration is accounting for factors that accelerate device aging: process variation and Temperature, by integrating reliability analysis with other other analyses: Monte Carlo (MC) and self-heating effect (SHE). In this paper, solutions to various reliability challenges will be explored including a new aging model and integration of aging analysis with SHE and MC analyses.
History of Physical Teen Dating Violence and Its Association With Suicidal Behaviors Among Adolescent High School Students: Results From the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

Although studies have investigated and found physical teen dating violence (TDV) has a significant negative impact on mental health outcomes, few studies are yet to investigate the effect of physic...
Occult Mechanisms of Brain Dysfunction

It is clear from Dr. Millichap’s presentation that important advances in the diagnosis and treatment of seizure disorders and minimal brain dysfunction syndromes have been realized in recent years. Unfortunately, significant progress toward the companion goal of prevention remains seriously hampered by our poor understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of these conditions. Genetic factors undoubtedly play at least a predispositional role in many cases, but the potential contribution of an adverse environment deserves constant emphasis, particularly in that corrective measures are more easily brought to bear upon the environment than upon the gene. Dr. Nair, in discussing the toxic effects of drugs upon the developing CNS, touched upon an important theme worth reiterating here; that, in contrast to the gross malformations which characteristically result from exposure to toxic agents in early stages of development, exceedingly subtle forms of brain damage capable of defying current methods of detection may occur from exposure in later developmental stages. Dr. Millichap indicated, and I think many would agree, that the more carefully one examines children with minimal brain dysfunction, the more convinced one becomes that some sort of subtle brain damage underlies these conditions.