cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Processing of Presolar Grains around Post-Asymptotic Giant Branch Stars: Silicon Carbide as the Carrier of the 21 Micron Feature

Some proto–planetary nebulae (PPNs) exhibit an enigmatic feature in their infrared spectra at � 21 m. This feature is not seen in the spectra of either the precursors to PPNs, the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars, or the successors of PPNs, ‘‘normal’’ planetary nebulae (PNs). However, the 21 m feature has been seen in the spectra of PNs with Wolf-Rayet central stars. Therefore, the carrier of this feature is unlikely to be a transient species that only exists in the PPN phase. This feature has been attributed to various molecular and solid-state species, none of which satisfy all constraints, although titanium carbide (TiC) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have seemed the most viable. We present new laboratory data for silicon carbide (SiC) and show that it has a spectral feature that is a good candidate for the carrier of the 21 m feature. The SiC spectral feature appears at approximately the same wavelength (depending on the polytype/grain size) and has the same asymmetric profile as the observed astronomical feature. We suggest that processing and cooling of the SiC grains known to exist around carbon-rich AGB stars are responsible for the emergence of the enigmatic 21 m feature. The emergence of this feature in the spectra of post-AGB stars demonstrates the processing of dust due to the changing physical environments around evolving stars.
Can patient reported outcomes help identify the optimal outcome in palliative surgery

Background The purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether an open-ended questionnaire captures severe symptoms in cancer patients undergoing palliative surgical consultation that a structured, validated quality-of-life assessment does not capture. Methods We prospectively used the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General (FACT-G) and an open-ended questionnaire to assess the symptoms of patients with incurable malignancies who underwent palliative surgical consultation at our institution between January 2011 and September 2012. Results Of the 69 patients enrolled, the most common indications for consultation were bowel obstruction (54%), jaundice (13%), wound problems (10%), and gastrointestinal bleeding (7%). Of the severe symptoms patients reported, 76% were identified with the FACT-G alone, 22% were identified with the open-ended questionnaire alone, and 2% were duplicate responses captured with both the FACT-G and open-ended questionnaire. The open-ended questionnaire captured 68 instances of severe symptoms in 47 patients that the FACT-G did not capture; of these symptoms, 52 were considered to be highly relevant to surgery and potential outcome measures. Conclusions An open-ended questionnaire can identify severe symptoms that a global quality of life survey cannot capture and could be used in conjunction with a global survey to reassess symptoms after palliative surgical consultation. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:145–150. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A comparison between p + n and n + p GaAs displacement damage coefficients following proton irradiation

In this paper, the photovoltaic response of p+n and n+p GaAs solar cells is monitored as a function of proton fluence at different proton energies. The energy dependence of displacement damage coefficients (DCs) describing the photovoltaic degradation for these devices are compared with calculations of nonionizing energy loss (NIEL). The short circuit current DCs for both device types follows the same energy dependence. In contrast, the open circuit voltage DCs follows a different energy dependence at higher proton energies (E ≫ 10 MeV).
Cross system product application generator: application design

This paper describes some techniques that can be used for Cross System Product/Application Development (CSP/AD) application design. CSP/AD is an application development tool for professional programmers. A well-designed application is obtained by using proven principles of structured analysis, structured design, and structured programming. An understanding of these principles and the application definition constructs provided by Cross System Product/Application Development is necessary for the CSP/AD application designer. Application design for CSP/AD is accomplished by using a combination of techniques for data design, application design, and application program design. For each of these design techniques there exist formal, accepted practices, and methodologies that may be used. These techniques are described, and methods that have proven successful for designing CSP/AD applications are presented.
Superposition coding and network coding for mixed multicast/unicast traffic on a time-varying channel

Military applications often require traffic to be multicast to a group of receivers. It has previously been shown that linear network coding is useful in conjunction with physical-layer multicasting for reliable multicast delivery over fading channels. Superposition coding is an effective way to deliver information to a single receiver over a fading channel. However, we have shown in previous work that if the channel statistics are known and the parameters of the network coding and superposition coding are optimized, superposition coding does not provide a significant additional benefit for multicast traffic over fading channels when the fading gain is unknown. In this work, we propose the use of simulcasting to deliver a mix of multicast and unicast traffic to receivers over time-varying fading channels. We show that simulcasting can provide additional performance gains over using just network coding for several different cases where the source has exact or delayed knowledge of the channel state.
Convex relaxation of sequential optimal input design for a class of structured large-scale systems: process gain estimation

This paper considers optimal input design for a class of structured large-scale systems in which the input-output directionality is independent of frequency. For maximizing the information contained in experimental data collected from applying inputs to the process, manipulated variables are computed from solving constrained optimizations for which the payoff function is related to the covariance of estimation or a user-specified quality measure of estimation and the constraints correspond to requirements for operational safety and actuator limitations. The methods are applied to process gain estimation for a simulated blown film process to illustrate the input design procedure and compare the results for two different types of constraint sets. In addition, closed-form solutions are computed for the optimal input design associated with signal-to-noise ratio, D-optimality, and A-optimality measures in the presence of an input sum-of-squares constraint. A new measure for sensitivity of optimality criteria to the change in input direction is introduced and computed for the three aforementioned optimality criteria.
Seroepidemiology of toxoplasmosis in rural and urban communities from Los Rios Region, Chile.

Background : Toxoplasmosis is a prevalent protozoan infection with a complex lifecycle and wide profile of risk factors. The impact of congenital infection is well documented; however, there is increasing evidence of a much broader range of potential health outcomes and the need to improve our understanding of the transmission patterns and infection sources in the overall population. This study examined the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in distinct community types from a highly endemic area of Chile. Methods : A cross-sectional serosurvey was carried out in households from urban slums, rural villages, and farms which included collection of blood samples, as well as data on sociodemographic, behavioral, and spatial variables. Blood samples were analyzed for the presence of T. gondii -specific IgG antibodies. Avidity index was obtained for IgG-positive samples. Mixed-effects regression modeling was used to identify associations with relevant risk factors. Results : Crude seroprevalence was 55.9% (95% CI: 52.6–59.1%) with no difference by community type. Results are indicative of early exposure to the parasite, including 40% of 13- to 17-year olds who were already seropositive. Sociodemographic factors associated with seropositivity included age, occupations, and income. However, sex modified the effect of occupation as well as of income. Practices associated with increased seropositivity were consumption of sheep and locally produced vegetables as well as cleaning household barns or sheds. Boiling water for household use was a protective factor. Living on a sloped terrain without vegetation was a protective factor, while living in an area with high flow accumulation index was a risk factor. Conclusions : Seroprevalence of infection was high in both rural and urban slum communities with unique risk factor profiles for each community type. Findings highlight the role of the household and the community environment as influential factors in the epidemiology of the infection. Increasing awareness is needed at the health care and public health levels to establish disease burden and options for suitable control programs. Keywords: toxoplasmosis; Toxoplasma gondii; seroprevalence; risk factors; epidemiology; spatial (Published: 10 March 2016) Citation: Infection Ecology and Epidemiology 2016, 6: 30597 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/iee.v6.30597
The value of preoperative planning

"Better to throw your disasters into the waste paper basket than to consign your patients to the scrap heap" has been a proverb of Jeff Mast, one of the greatest fracture and deformity surgeons in the history of our specialty. Stated slightly more scientifically, one of the major values of simulation is that it allows one to make mistakes in a consequence-free environment. Preoperative planning is the focus of this article. The primary goal is not to provide you with a recipe of how to steps. Rather, the primary goal of this article is to explain why preoperative planning should be standard, to clarify what should be included, and to provide examples of what can happen when planning is ignored. At the end of this, we should all feel the need to approach fracture care more intellectually with forethought, both in our own practices and in our educational system.
Effects of Larval Age on Dimorphic Differentiation of the Female Honey Bee

Queen and worker honey bees are phenotypes, and the differentiation of castes depends upon the food received during larval life. Little is known concerning the time during development that dimorphic differentiation begins, at what time it becomes irreversible, the extent to which the various organs may develop into intermediates between typical queen and worker organs, or the extent to which the various organs that develop dimorphically are correlated with each other in the degree to which they develop into queen or worker types. If individuals can be produced with organs that are intermediate between those of typical queens and workers, or if extreme dimorphic variations in the various organs are not correlated with each other, then the female honey bee is potentially polymorphic, and some mechanism must operate to maintain the fairly strict dimorphism found in nature.
Functional brain imaging of movement disorders.

AbstractFunctional brain imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) have contributed to our understanding of the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other movement disorders. PET employs small amounts of positron emitting radioligands to produce quantitative measures of physiological and biochemical processes in the brain and other organs. In a PET experiment, a subject is given a compound of biological interest. The spatial and temporal distribution of the radiotracer is measured quantitatively in the course of the PET study, providing a tomographic representation of regional radioactivity concentration. In this review, we focus on the potential application of PET in the selection of suitable candidates and the assessment of surgical interventions such as pallidotomy, thalamotomy, and deep brain stimulation. [Neurol Res 2000; 22: 305–312]
House Staff Patient Safety Quality Council

Johns Hopkins Hospital created a House Staff Council in 2012 based on the successful House Staff Quality Council established at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center to engage house staff in efforts to improve patient safety and quality.
Is gastroscopy for fecal immunochemical test positive patients worthwhile

The use of fecal immunochemical test (FIT) in the screening for colorectal cancer is long established. However, more than 50 % of patients with positive FITs have a negative colonoscopy. The role of a subsequent oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD) is debatable. The aim of this study is to evaluate the yield of OGD in patients with positive FITs. A retrospective review of patients who underwent colonoscopy for a positive FIT between Jan. 2008 and Dec. 2012 was identified from a prospectively collected endoscopy database at the National University Hospital, Singapore. Patients who underwent concurrent or subsequent OGDs for positive FIT formed the study group. We considered any new cancer or significant upper gastrointestinal pathology such as peptic ulcer disease or gastritis requiring treatment as a positive examination. A total of 202 patients underwent both a colonoscopy and an OGD for a positive FIT and formed the study group. One hundred and six (52.5 %) of them had a positive examination with gastritis and duodenitis representing the most common UGI pathology in 89 (44.1 %) patients. Twenty-nine (14.4 %) patients tested positive for helicobacter pylori infection and another 16 (7.9 %) patients had peptic ulcer disease. There were no UGI cancers detected. One patient had an esophageal leiomyoma that was treated conservatively. Routine gastroscopy for FIT positivity has a high diagnostic yield for benign upper gastrointestinal pathology. Well-designed prospective studies to further evaluate the cost-effectiveness of routine gastroscopy in the work up of FIT positivity are warranted to make better clinical practice guidelines.
Size and Site Dependence of the Catalytic Activity of Iridium Clusters toward Ethane Dehydrogenation.

This research focuses on optimizing transition metal nanocatalyst immobilization and activity to enhance ethane dehydrogenation. Ethane dehydrogenation, catalyzed by thermally stable Irn (n = 8, 12, 18) atomic clusters that exhibit a cuboid structure, was studied using the B3LYP method with triple-ζ basis sets. Relativistic effects and dispersion corrections were included in the calculations. In the dehydrogenation reaction Irn + C2H6 → H–Irn–C2H5 → (H)2–Irn–C2H4, the first H-elimination is the rate-limiting step, primarily because the reaction releases sufficient heat to facilitate the second H-elimination. The catalytic activity of the Ir clusters strongly depends on the Ir cluster size and the specific catalytic site. Cubic Ir8 is the least reactive toward H-elimination in ethane: Ir8 + C2H6 → H–Ir8–C2H5 has a large (65 kJ/mol) energy barrier, whereas Ir12 (3 × 2 × 2 cuboid) and Ir18 (3 × 3 × 2 cuboid) lower this energy barrier to 22 and 3 kJ/mol, respectively. The site dependence is as prominent as th...
Pediatric Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis: A Case Report (P1.329)

OBJECTIVE: To discuss a case of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) in a pediatric patient presenting as fulminant meningitis, the associated radiologic and diagnostic findings, and treatment options. BACKGROUND: PAM is a rare and almost uniformly fatal disease caused by Naegleria fowleri invading the brain through the cribriform plate most commonly after swimming in bodies of warm fresh water. There have been recently described successful treatments. DESIGN/METHODS: Case Study RESULTS: A 4-year-old, previously healthy, male with four days of headaches that progressed to vomiting and difficulty with ambulation presented with fever to 105F, altered mental status, and seizure-like activity. His Glasgow Coma Scale was 9; he grimaced to neck flexion and demonstrated leftward gaze deviation. Head CT demonstrated enlarged bilateral temporal horns of the ventricles concerning for communicating hydrocephalus. CSF was notable for a pleocytosis with monocytic predominance, markedly elevated protein, and hypoglycoracchia. The patient was intubated, started on broad-spectrum antibiotics, loaded with fosphenytoin, and admitted to the intensive care unit. Brain MRI demonstrated persistent hydrocephalus and diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement. Abnormal signal and focal swelling in scattered areas of cortex, predominantly within the right frontal lobe, was suggestive of hemorrhage. Further history elicited swimming in a fresh water lake eight days prior to presentation. Wet mount examination of CSF demonstrated amoebae; PCR testing was positive for Naegleria fowleri DNA. His antibiotic regimen was adjusted to include the investigational medication miltefosine. The patients clinical course was complicated by significant electrolyte disturbances, subclinical status epilepticus, and cardiorespiratory compromise in the setting of increasing intracranial pressure. Despite aggressive interventions and miltefosine initiation, the patient developed acute hypotension refractory to vasopressors and he passed away 48 hours after presentation. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights a pediatric case of PAM, the associated radiologic and CSF findings, and the complex treatment issues encountered. Disclosure: Dr. Stowe has nothing to disclose. Dr. Friederich has nothing to disclose. Dr. DiCarlo has nothing to disclose.
Understanding the Nature and Effects of Police-Citizen Encounters in Social Context: The Road Less Traveled

Aggressive policing tactics have been identified as contributors to declining crime rate trends in urban, culturally diverse neighborhoods. They encompass stop and frisk practices which have spawned negative public opinion that contrasts with its justification by criminal justice officials as an effective means for the control and prevention of crime. The issue, however, begs deeper questions not readily addressed: how does the nature of police-citizen suspicion-based encounters influence the attitudes and behavior of both stakeholders; and does it contribute to effective crime control and prevention? Based on an analysis of theoretical and empirical research in the field, this article argues that a sense of shame and perception of fairness or unfairness are endemic to face-to-face suspicion-based encounters between police officers and the public, and have significant implications for the experience of justice, control and prevention of crime, and policy initiatives to promote community safety.
Emission and crop response in almond orchards fumigated with reduced rates of Telone® C-35 and low permeability film for nematode control

Abstract Many high-value tree crops are dependent on soil fumigation for control of plant-parasitic nematodes and diseases for successful orchard replanting. Due to detrimental impacts on the environment, fumigants are under stringent regulations. The study investigated if a commercially available totally impermeable film (TIF) such as VaporSafe® and reduced fumigant rates can achieve emission reduction while providing good control of plant-parasitic nematodes and improving tree establishment. Two field trials were conducted in almond orchards on a sandy soil or a sandy loam to test the effects of Telone® C-35 (containing 63% 1,3-dichloropropene and 35% chloropicrin) on fumigant movement, nematode survival, and tree performance. In the trials, Telone® C-35 was applied at various rates: 100% (610 kg ha−1), 66%, or 33%; with three surface sealing methods: bare, standard polyethylene film (PE), and TIF. The TIF greatly reduced emissions compared to PE or bare soil with very low off-edge emissions. Both 100% and 66% rates of the fumigant promoted similar tree growth regardless of surface sealing methods. The 66% rate under TIF and PE also provided 100% control of resident nematodes as the 100% rate at or above 100 cm soil depth in both trials. Fumigation at the sandy soil site was able to reduce or eliminate the nematode population at the 120-150 cm soil depth. However, none of the treatments provided 100% control of nematodes at this depth in the sandy loam soil indicating the effects of soil texture on fumigation efficacy. Thus, TIF and reduced rates of Telone® C-35 can be used to reduce the environmental impacts of soil fumigation and fumigant expenses.
Moiré Metamaterials and Metasurfaces

Optical metamaterials and metasurfaces enable versatile light manipulations. Advancements in modeling, nanofabrication, and characterization tools have led to the development of metamaterials and metasurfaces for many applications: energy conversion, biomedicine, and information technology. Recently, metamaterials and metasurfaces with moire configurations have attracted strong interest due to their highly tunable optical responses and high-throughput fabrication. Herein, state-of-the-art moire metamaterials and metasurfaces are reviewed. The presentation covers fabrication techniques, structure–property relationships, and applications in lasing and biomedical sensing. The review concludes with challenges and opportunities for moire metamaterials and metasurfaces.
Ontogenetic shifts in predator diet drive tradeoffs between fisheries yield and strength of predator-prey interactions

Abstract In some marine ecosystems, overharvesting marine predators has triggered major changes in trophic structure and ecosystem function. However, harvest levels that are deemed sustainable for one species may still lead to unexpected impacts elsewhere in the ecosystem. For example, by imposing an additional source of mortality, even sustainable harvesting can lead to a reduction in the number of large individuals within a population, and this truncation in size structure is typically more severe when the largest, most valuable size classes are targeted. Often small and large individuals within a species differ in important ways, including in what they consume, so a loss in predator-prey interactions could occur even without changes in overall predator biomass. Here we explore whether a truncation in predator size structure alone can reduce or functionally eliminate linkages between predator and prey. For this outcome to occur, a predator’s diet must change as it grows in size. We examined evidence for changes in diets with size among predators in three large marine ecosystems, and used a size-structured population dynamics model to evaluate the extent to which otherwise sustainable fishing results in disproportionate reductions in predation. Modelling suggests that diet shifts occurring late in life history (diet mid-point >45% of the maximum size) led to losses in predation that were more severe than would have been expected from losses in predator biomass. Further, the form of the fishery selectivity was less important than the degree of reduction in biomass within each size class relative to the timing of diet shifts. Empirical diet information demonstrates that piscivores vary widely in their onset to piscivory, and this may buffer the potential impacts of truncation in size structure. However, over half of the piscivores had diet shifts toward specific fish taxa at sizes at or above that which would lead to disproportionate reductions in prey consumption. Information about when and how diets change with predator size could identify ecosystems where harvest may lead to unexpected losses in predator-prey interactions.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Multidimensional Co-Parenting Scale for Dissolved Relationships

Instruments that assess parenting behavior after divorce have largely focused on the domains of general support of and conflict in co-parenting. This paper introduces and validates a measurement tool that provides a more nuanced perspective of the quality of co-parenting behaviors, the Multidimensional Co-Parenting Scale for Dissolved Relationships (MCS-DR). Participants were divorced or currently divorcing parents recruited through a Qualtrics panel (N = 569) to take a university-sponsored, state-approved curriculum, “Successful Co-Parenting After Divorce” and respond to a series of surveys about their experiences in the divorce process. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the underlying factor structure of the initial measurement item pool, which consisted of 48 items. From this, a four factor model emerged, consisting of 23 items; one additional item was removed following tests of measurement equivalence as a function of gender suggesting a final measure which consisted of 22 items across the four subscales. Those subscales include: Overt Conflict, Support, Self-Controlled Covert Conflict, and Externally-Controlled Covert Conflict. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the four factor structure of the MCS-DR. The dimensions of Support and Overt Conflict demonstrate concurrent validity with an existing measure used in the literature on post-divorce co-parenting. Educators and clinicians may find this newly developed scale useful in helping parents identify their strengths and challenges in post-divorce functioning for the well-being of their children. Implications for the field are also discussed in relation to legislatively and judicially mandated divorce classes in many states.
Reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients treated with methyldopa: Lack of association with blood pressure control☆

Abstract Ten patients with essential hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy were treated with relatively small doses of methyldopa (500 to 750 mg/day) added to long-term diuretic therapy. Sequential M mode echocardiography showed significant reduction in left ventricular mass 36 weeks after addition of methyldopa in four patients (359 ± 77 [standard error of the mean] to 235 ± 63 g) although blood pressure was not significantly altered by the added treatment. In three of these patients, reduction of left ventricular mass was observed as early as 12 weeks of treatment (384 to 262 g). Neither left ventricular mass to left ventricular volume ratio nor fractional shortening was significantly altered by reduction in left ventricular mass (3.21 ± 0.26 to 2.74 ± 0.24 and 0.42 ± 0.03 to 0.44 ± 0.02, respectively). There was no apparent relation in these patients between changes in blood pressure and changes in left ventricular mass. Thus, reversal of cardiac hypertrophy with antihypertensive treatment is possible in human beings; however, it seems to depend on other factors besides blood pressure control.
THIXOFORMING OF SPRAY CAST MATERIALS

Metallic systems which possess a non-dendritic microstructure behave thixotropically and can be formed to net shape in the semisolid state. Semisolid processing provides several advantages over conventional casting, forging, and P/M techniques, but has not been accepted widely. Problems related to the methods for producing non-dendritic thixoworkable microstructures, and to process design and control must be addressed. In order to evaluate and characterize the ability of semisolid spray cast materials to be thixoformed a combined theoretical-numerical-experimental program is under way at Drexel University. In this paper we review the current understanding of the flow/deformation behavior of semisolid materials with emphasis on spray cast alloys. Outstanding issues of material characterization, modeling, process design and control, and on-going experimental work are discussed.
Gravity-Assisted Melting in Enclosures

The gradual depletion of fossil fuels over the past few decades has resulted in an increase in energy costs which can be expected to rise sharply over the next few decades as supplies become scarce. Current worries regarding the disposal of nuclear wastes have caused many countries to put less stress on nuclear energy, and higher air pollution causing acid rain and possible long term change in global weather patterns make the use of solar energy a very attractive option in the long run. Though the amount of solar energy falling on the earth’s surface far exceeds our requirements, the diffuse and unpredictable nature of solar radiation makes it extremely difficult to harness. Efficient energy storage devices are essential if solar energy is ever to be used on a large scale. Considerable research is being done on many different kinds of storage devices like electrochemical batteries, flywheels, compressed air, pumped water storage, etc. However, thermal energy storage devices using phase change materials have some major advantages which make them extremely attractive for certain applications. These include a high energy density of storage and an uniform temperature at which the energy is released or absorbed. Such latent heat thermal energy storage devices can also be used over a wide range of temperatures since different materials can be used as required.
How Fcc Transaction Reviews Threaten Rule of Law and the First Amendment

Since its creation in 1934, the Federal Communications Commission has had broad discretion to approve or deny the consummation of major transactions by wireless and wired communications firms under a public interest standard. Despite the passage of decades, neither the FCC nor the courts have put meaningful limits on what the FCC can pursue under this authority. Today, regulated companies--including broadcast TV and radio, satellite TV and radio, cable TV, and Internet service providers--are the primary producers and distributors of mass media and publications. We model the FCCs decisions to extract concessions from firms under the empire building model. The FCCs ad hoc determinations of the public interest and the impracticability of timely judicial review has pernicious effects on modern media and the rule of law. Consistent with the model, the FCC increasingly extracts nominally voluntary concessions from firms--including programming decisions, hiring practices, and net neutrality compliance--in the transaction approvals that the agency is legally barred from or unwilling to pursue through the normal regulatory process. We argue that the FCCs unpredictable and coercive transaction reviews violate rule of law norms and pose significant First Amendment problems. We question the necessity of the FCCs powerful merger review authority and suggest that if Congress does not revoke the agencys authority, the agency should at least promulgate guidelines for what its public interest standard requires.
Natural born cynics? The role of personality characteristics in consumer skepticism of corporate social responsibility behaviors

This study explored the relationship between the Big Five personality characteristics and consumer perceptions of organizational corporate social responsibility (CSR) behaviors. Specifically, the current work focused on both general consumer CSR skepticism and on consumers’ perceived motives for organizational involvement in CSR initiatives. The results suggested that those high in extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness tended to be less skeptical of companies’ CSR efforts while those high in neuroticism were generally more skeptical of CSR behaviors.
Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Solar Cells with a Benzoquinone Passivating Layer

Devices were demonstrated making use of benzoquinone passivation of silicon surfaces in a PEDOT:PSS-Silicon hybrid device structure. It is shown that the insertion of the benzoquinone layer does not provide an impediment to current flow across the PEDOT:PSS-Silicon interface and device efficiencies of 9.6% can be obtained. Devices using this passivation exhibited exceptionally high external quantum efficiencies in the low wavelength region, indicative of a high-quality front surface. Multiple rear contact schemes were evaluated, with Al giving the best results. Front-side texturing is shown to boost the short-circuit current of the devices by 20%, yielding significant gains to device fill factors.
On the variability of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation transports in coupled CMIP5 simulations

The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) plays a fundamental role in the climate system, and long-term climate simulations are used to understand the AMOC variability and to assess its impact. This study examines the basic characteristics of the AMOC variability in 44 CMIP5 (Phase 5 of the Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project) simulations, using the 18 atmospherically-forced CORE-II (Phase 2 of the Coordinated Ocean-ice Reference Experiment) simulations as a reference. The analysis shows that on interannual and decadal timescales, the AMOC variability in the CMIP5 exhibits a similar magnitude and meridional coherence as in the CORE-II simulations, indicating that the modeled atmospheric variability responsible for AMOC variability in the CMIP5 is in reasonable agreement with the CORE-II forcing. On multidecadal timescales, however, the AMOC variability is weaker by a factor of more than 2 and meridionally less coherent in the CMIP5 than in the CORE-II simulations. The CMIP5 simulations also exhibit a weaker long-term atmospheric variability in the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). However, one cannot fully attribute the weaker AMOC variability to the weaker variability in NAO because, unlike the CORE-II simulations, the CMIP5 simulations do not exhibit a robust NAO-AMOC linkage. While the variability of the wintertime heat flux and mixed layer depth in the western subpolar North Atlantic is strongly linked to the AMOC variability, the NAO variability is not.
Effect of Growth and Post-Oxidation Annealing Temperature of Thermally Grown Tunneling SiO x ), on the Iimplied V oc of Passivated Contacts for c-Si Based Solar Cells

Record high efficiencies of monocrystalline Si solar cells have been achieved using passivated contacts based on the ultra-thin tunneling $\text{SiO}_{x}$ and doped pc−Si layers. We have investigated how modifications in the growth and thermal processing of the tunneling $\text{SiO}_{x}$ affect $i-V_{oc}$ and electrical transport properties of $p-$ and $n$ -type passivated contacts. We have shown that either post-oxidation annealing to, or direct growth of the tunneling $\text{SiO}_{x}$ at temperatures >850 °C deteriorates both the contact passivation and the bulk $c$ -Si wafer quality. The resistivity of the contact increases significantly on annealing of the $\text{SiO}_{x}$ likely due to inadvertent increase in the thickness of the $\text{SiO}_{\mathrm{x}}$ layer,
Cross Modal Audio Search and Retrieval with Joint Embeddings Based on Text and Audio

Existing audio search engines use one of two approaches: matching text-text or audio-audio pairs. In the former, text queries are matched to semantically similar words in an index of audio metadata to retrieve corresponding audio clips or segments, while in the latter, audio signals are directly used to retrieve acoustically-similar recordings from an audio database. However, independent treatment of text and audio has precluded information exchange between the two modalities. This is a problem because similarity in language does not always imply similarity in acoustics, and vice versa. Moreover, independent modeling can be error prone especially for ad hoc, user-generated recordings, which are noisy in both audio and their associated textual labels. To overcome this limitation, we propose a framework that learns joint embeddings from a shared lexico-acoustic space, where vectors from either modality can be mapped together and compared directly. Thus, we improve semantic knowledge and enable the use of either text or audio queries to search and retrieve audio. Our results break new ground for a cross-modal audio search engine, and further exploration of lexico-acoustic spaces.
Box Spline Projection in Non-Parallel Geometry

The pixel- and voxel-basis are common choices for image discretization in the context of computed tomography (CT). They can also be viewed as first-order box splines – a class of functions with closed-form X-ray and Radon transforms that can be computed efficiently. In this paper we derive a method for exact projection of box splines in a non-parallel geometry that can be used in fan-beam and cone-beam tomographic image reconstruction algorithms. We also provide efficient computational procedures for evaluation of the basis function in the projection domain.
SSFD + : A Robust Two-Stage Face Detector

Face detectors based on deep learning have demonstrated great progress in detecting multi-scale faces by using multi-scale feature maps and input pyramids. However, using input pyramids and multi-scale feature maps increases the training difficulty and complexity of the network. In this paper, we focus on achieving comparable performance and simplifying the network architecture for detecting multi-scale faces. To enable network learning of multi-scale facial features from a single-scale feature map and a single-scale input image: 1) we conducted a comparative study to investigate which layer contributes more to detecting multi-scale faces and 2) we designed and implemented a simple network structure to improve the performance of detecting multi-scale faces by incorporating additional contextual information. SSFD+ achieves mAPs of (91.3%, 90.3%, 83.1%) and (92.4%, 90.9%, 83.7%) on the (easy, medium, and hard) subsets of the WIDER FACE validation and testing datasets, respectively, and promising results on the FDDB, PASCAL Faces, and AFW datasets.
Barriers to Breast Cancer Screening and Coping Strategies in Korean American Women

Introduction: To develop more culturally appropriate and effective intervention strategies, this qualitative study explored Korean American women's barriers to mammography and their coping strategies within their sociocultural context. Methodology: Semistructured individual interviews were conducted with 30 Korean American women in 2016. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data and identify themes. Results: Four themes and their associated subthemes emerged from the data: (1) barriers to accessing mammography (cost, time consuming and complicated procedure, and language barriers), (2) psychosocial concerns related to mammography (pain, discomfort and embarrassment, and exposure to radiation), (3) strategies to access mammography (identifying ways to get a cost-free mammogram and having procedure done in home country), and (4) ways to deal with psychosocial concerns (being positive and avoiding or postponing the procedures). Discussion: Health professionals should account for cultural differences including, but not limited to, patients' concerns, access to care, and beliefs surrounding screening processes.
The Management of People in Chinese Enterprises

My charter is to comment on the seven micro-oriented chapters in this book. It is a pleasure to take this opportunity to go beyond my professional and scholarly interests in Western organizational behavior and human resource management to address this work on its Chinese counterparts.
Supporting Innovative Business Development Through Innovative Governance in Poland

Poland turned in an impressive performance since the fall of communism, and even during the global financial crisis beginning in 2008. Highly innovative public policies helped catalyze a vibrant private sector, which in turn enabled high economic growth, low unemployment, increased exports and labor productivity, leading to a much-improved standard of living for many citizens. However, comparatively low wages have led up to 12 percent of the population to live and work in other countries. One of the reasons for this is lower rates of innovation and R&D spending than in peer countries. In the context of these various innovative forces and disruptions, this paper focuses on a set of policy actions supported by the Government to promote innovation and competitiveness in Poland’s private businesses. The paper seeks to answer two main questions: What is the nature of initial innovations in Poland’s public sector that enabled private sector innovation? And, were more recent government programs supported by the World Bank successful in promoting increased business innovation and competitiveness? The paper draws on the author’s recent mission to Poland as part of a World Bank evaluation of the policy operation series (IEG in press)
Paradoxical positivity: Suicide notes use less distressed language than blogs about depression, suicidal thoughts, and even cooking.

Introduction While suicide attempts and deaths increase, research and assessment methods have stagnated in terms of increasing predictive power. Lexical analysis has been a useful method in descriptive suicide research, but may have utility for assessment and prediction. Objective The present study used lexical analysis to examine language differences across a spectrum of psychological distress, with death by suicide as the most extreme indicator. Methods Suicide writings were collected for 38 persons who died by suicide in two southern U.S. cities. Blog writings were collected from the "Depression" and "Suicide" categories of an online mental health discussion community and from food blogging communities (n = 38 each). Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count was used to calculate proportions of words that fell into lexical categories indicative of distress. Results One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in first-person singular pronouns and words related to positive emotions, negative emotions, religion, and death. Suicide notes were found to use less frequent lexical markers of distress than depression and suicide ideation blogs, and more frequent positive emotion language than all comparison groups. Conclusion The present findings suggest that deciding to take one's life may be associated with a decrease in distress, and possibly an increase in positive emotion, when compared to those experiencing depression and suicidal thoughts.
Positive change following adversity and psychological adjustment over time in abused foster youth.

Many foster youth experience maltreatment in their family-of-origin and additional maltreatment while in foster care. Not surprisingly, rates of depression are higher in foster youth than the general population, and peak during ages 17-19 during the stressful transition into adulthood. However, no known studies have reported on whether foster youth perceive positive changes following such adversity, and whether positive change facilitates psychological adjustment over time. The current study examined components of positive change (i.e., compassion for others and self-efficacy) with depression severity from age 17 to 18 as youth prepared to exit foster care. Participants were youth from the Mental Health Service Use of Youth Leaving Foster Care study who endorsed child maltreatment. Components of positive change and severity of abuse were measured initially. Depression was measured initially and every three months over the following year. Latent growth curve modeling was used to examine the course of depression as a function of initial levels of positive change and severity of abuse. RESULTS revealed that decreases in depression followed an inverse quadratic function in which the steepest declines occurred in the first three months and leveled off after that. Severity of abuse was positively correlated with higher initial levels of depression and negatively correlated with decreases in depression. Greater self-efficacy was negatively associated with initial levels of depression and predicted decreases in depression over the year, whereas compassion for others was neither associated with initial depression nor changes in depression. Implications for intervention, theory, and research are discussed. Language: en
Establishment and characterization of a murine xenograft model of appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma

We describe the clinical, pathologic and molecular characteristics of a xenograft model of metastatic mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma. Tumours from patients with mucinous appendiceal neoplasms were implanted in nude mice and observed for evidence of intraperitoneal tumour growth. Morphologic and immunohistochemical features, temporal growth characteristics relative to controls, and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at multiple chromosomal alleles were assessed in a successfully engrafted tumour. Two of seventeen implanted tumours successfully engrafted and only one mucinous adenocarcinoma propagated throughout the course of the study. The successful xenograft is morphologically similar to the original tumour, produces abundant extracellular mucin and exhibits non-invasive growth on peritoneal surfaces. The temporal growth characteristics of the xenograft tumour relative to controls reveal that tumour burden can be followed indirectly by measuring the weight or abdominal girth of engrafted animals. The cytokeratin, mucin core protein, CDX2, Ki-67 and p53 expression patterns are identical in the xenograft and resected tumour and are consistent with the expected pattern of protein expression for mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix. LOH was found in 1 of 10 informative chromosomal loci (chromosome 10p23) in xenograft tumour cells. Although we were unable to engraft a low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm, the engrafted adenocarcinoma will be useful for future evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies directed at mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma and evaluation of strategies for treating widespread, bulky, mucinous peritoneal surface neoplasms. Xenograft tumour enrichment can facilitate molecular studies of appendiceal epithelial neoplasia.
Tissue Doppler of Early Mitral Filling Correlates With Simulated Volume Loss in Healthy Subjects

Objectives: The accurate noninvasive assessment of preload in emergency department (ED) patients remains elusive. Point-of-care ultrasound (US) imaging, particularly evaluation of the inferior vena cava (IVC), has been shown to be qualitatively helpful. Doppler and tissue Doppler are now routinely available on ED US equipment, but few studies have looked at the correlation of dynamic changes in these parameters in a controlled model of hypovolemia. Our objective was to examine the correlation of Doppler parameters to simulated volume loss in healthy subjects using a lower-body negative pressure (LBNP) model and to compare these measurements to commonly used IVC measurements of preload. Methods: Twelve paid volunteers with no known cardiovascular disease between the ages of 23 and 31 years old (mean ± SD = 25.5 ± 2.5 years old) were recruited. Hypovolemia was simulated using graduated LBNP levels with measurements taken at 0, −30, and −60 mm Hg and lower pressures as tolerated. Vital signs were monitored in all patients. US measurements recorded at each negative pressure level included IVC maximum (IVCmax) and minimum (IVCmin) dimensions; early (E) and late (A) transmitral filling velocities using pulsed-wave spectral Doppler; and early (E′) and late (A′) tissue Doppler velocities at the septal (sep) and lateral (lat) mitral annulus, using pulsed-wave tissue Doppler. Results: Lower-body negative pressure correlated significantly and positively within subjects for all US parameters except for the A filling wave. E′lat and E′sep showed the strongest correlation with R2 values of 0.749 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.577 to 0.854) and 0.738 (95% CI = 0.579 to 0.875) respectively, followed by A′sep 0.674 (95% CI = 0.416 to 0.845), IVCmax 0.638 (95% CI = 0.425 to 0.806), A′lat 0.547 (95% CI = 0.280 to 0.802), IVCmin 0.512 (95% CI = 0.192 to 0.777), and E 0.478 (95% CI = 0.187 to 0.762). Ratios correlated only moderately with LBNP level, including E/ E′latR2 of 0.430 (95% CI = 0.131 to 0.706), E/ E′sep 0.416 (95% CI = 0.183 to 0.686), and IVC collapsibility index (IVCCI) 0.201 (95% CI = 0.003 to 0.681). Vital signs, including heart rate and blood pressure, did not vary significantly with LBNP levels. Conclusions: In this pilot study of healthy subjects, tissue Doppler assessment of early diastolic filling correlated most strongly with simulated hypovolemia. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:1162–1168 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine