cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Must Contingent Valuation Surveys Cost So Much

Abstract In 1989 the Exxon Valdez ran aground and spilled 11 million gallons of oil in Alaska. Great controversy has surrounded the assessment of monetary damages for this oil spill. The source of this controversy has been the use of hypothetical contingent valuation surveys to assess damages to individual households and the aggregation of these survey values over all households in the United States. The assessment prepared for the state of Alaska is reported to have cost several million dollars to undertake. We show that considerable economy can be effected in the elicitation of such survey responses. Our approach is to use a cheaper “convenience sample” to generate a statistical model of behavioral responses to the valuation questions and then to use sample averages of population characteristics to predict the behavior of the population. Thus we use a model of the behavior of students to predict the behavior of all of the adult citizens of the United States. We find that we can obtain essentially the same damage estimates as a more expensive “probability sample” of the entire nation.
Homograft Skin for Wound Coverage: A Study in Versatility

Closure of the open burn wound is the most important factor in the recovery of the thermally injured patient. In lieu of autograft skin, materials have been sought that would effectively cover large open wounds. Such a substance would of necessity provide the following: (1) control of bacterial growth, (2) a means to prepare and preserve the wounds for definitive closure, and (3) effective vapor and exudate barrier. Many artificial substances have been tried, and some have been successful in accomplishing adherence by means of tissue ingrowth. Unfortunately, one cannot equate adherence with protection, and invasive infection usually supervenes. Homograft skin, however, satisfies all the requirements in a uniquely effective manner. In 1881, Girdner reported the removal of skin from a suicide victim for use on the wounds of a patient struck by lightning. 1 That same year, Schede utilized skin from fresh amputation specimens as well as from cadavers.
The ferroelectric transition in IV–VI semiconductor alloys☆

Abstract EXAFS measurements have been made on the Ge and Pb edges of ferroelectric Pb 1− x Ge x Te and Sn 1− x Ge x Te disordered alloys. Our results show that Ge atoms are displaced approximately 0.8 A (in Pb 1− x Ge x Te) and 0.4 A (in Sn 1− x Ge x Te) from cell center both below and above the transition, implying that the ferroelectric transition involves long-range ordering of the dipoles. We have also measured the displacement of the Pb sublattice relative to the Te sublattice, thus showing evidence for a simultaneous order-disorder and displacive transition.
Roles of free GPIs in amastigotes of Leishmania

Glycosylated phosphatidylinositols (GPIs) are abundant cell surface molecules of the Leishmania. Amastigote-specific GPIs AmGPI-Y and AmGPI-Z, both ethanolamine (EtN)-containing glycolipids, were identified in Leishmania amazonensis. A paucity of GPI-anchored proteins in amastigotes of L. amazonensis made the kinetoplastid suitable for evaluating the importance of free (i.e. unconjugated to protein or polysaccharide) GPIs. A strain deficient in both AmGPI-Y and AmGPI-Z was produced by stable transfection of wild-type Leishmania with a GPI-phospholipase C gene. Phosphatidylinositol deficiency was not detected in the transfectants. GPI-deficient promastigotes infected murine macrophages in vitro and differentiated into amastigotes whose growth was arrested within the host cells. Cytostasis of amastigotes was also observed during axenic culture of GPI-deficient parasites. In a hamster model of leishmaniasis, GPI-deficient promastigotes produced smaller lesions with 20-fold fewer amastigotes than infections with control parasites. Together, these observations indicate that EtN-GPIs may be essential for amastigote viability, replication, and/or virulence. Implicit in these observations is the notion that drugs targeted against the GPI biosynthetic pathway might be of value in the management of human leishmaniasis.
Soft computing for reservoir characterization and management

Reservoir characterization plays a crucial role in modern reservoir management. It helps to make sound reservoir decisions and improves the asset value of the oil and gas companies. It maximizes integration of multi-disciplinary data and knowledge and improves the reliability of the reservoir predictions. The ultimate product is a reservoir model with realistic tolerance for imprecision and uncertainty. Soft computing aims to exploit such a tolerance for solving practical problems. In reservoir characterization, these intelligent techniques can be used for uncertainty analysis, risk assessment, data fusion and data mining which are applicable to feature extraction from seismic attributes, well logging, reservoir mapping and engineering. The main goal is to integrate soft data such as geological data with hard data such as 3D seismic and production data to build a reservoir and stratigraphic model. While some individual methodologies (esp. neurocomputing) have gained much popularity during the past few years, the true benefit of soft computing lies on the integration of its constituent methodologies rather than use in isolation.
The problem of affectivity in cognitive theories of emotion

Despite their paradigmatic status in the modern philosophy of emotions, cognitive theories have been criticized for failing to provide a satisfactory account of affectivity in emotions. I agree with much of this criticism, but I argue that an amended cognitive theory can overcome the flaws of the two main theories, strong cognitivism and componential cognitivism. I argue that feeling cannot be reduced to the evaluative content of emotion and attitudinal mode of holding it as strong cognitivists suggest. Typical emotional feelings are induced by either propositionally explicable or biologically “hard-wired” evaluations instead of being involved in the latter. We, then, face the challenge of explaining why the feeling and the evaluative construal that figure into an emotion are aspects of the same state, unlike occasional feelings and thoughts that happen to occur in us at the same time. I propose that evaluative content and feeling are different kinds of representations of the formal property of an emotional object. This is a second-order property that is ascribed to every individual object of a particular emotion-type in virtue of its perceived first-order properties and that is experienced as a property of those objects in a state of emotion. Evaluative content involves a conceptual representation of the formal property while feeling represents its inherent affective quality.
The Thermal Contact Conductance of Hard and Soft Coat Anodized Aluminum

An experimental investigation of the thermal contact conductance of anodized coatings, synthesized at different bath temperatures and in different electrolyte solutions, was performed, and the results were compared with previously published information. Electrolyte solutions of sulfuric acid at bath temperatures of 7°C ( Type III) and 25°C ( Type II ) and chromic acid at a bath temperature of 54°C ( Type I) were used to grow coating thicknesses ranging from 3.2 to 61 μm (0.11 to 2.4 mil). Experimental thermal contact conductance data were obtained for a junction between anodized aluminum 6101-T6 and uncoated aluminum A356-T61 as a function of apparent contact pressure and anodized coating thickness. Apparent contact pressure ranged from 172 to 2760 kPa (25 to 400 psi) and the mean interface temperature was maintained at 40°C (104°F). The thermal contact conductance for the low-temperature sulfuric acid anodized ( Type III) coatings varied from 300 to 13,000 W/m 2 K, while the conductance of the room temperature sulfuric anodized (Type II) coatings varied between 100 to 3000 W/m 2 K. The chromic acid (Type 1) coatings yielded conductance values of 60 to 3000 W/m 2 K. In general, the use of elevated temperatures for the anodizing bath will lead to lower surface microhardness and lower thermal contact conductance. The greatest conductance measurements were obtained for coatings grown in low-temperature sulfuric acid.
Transaction Costs and Market Quality: Open Outcry Versus Electronic Trading

On May 10, 1999, the London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange (LIFFE) transferred trading in the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100 Index futures contracts from outcry to LIFFE CONNECT, its electronic trading system. We find lower spreads in the electronic market after the transition. However, the open outcry mechanism has higher market quality (or smaller variance of the pricing error) on the basis of Hasbrouck's (1993) model. Furthermore, employing the Hasbrouck (1991) model, we show that trades in the open outcry market have higher information content. Inventory control considerations also affect the electronic market more than the open outcry market. The overall results suggest that electronic trading should complement, but not replace, open outcry in futures markets. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 21: 713–735, 2001
Specific Inhibition of Elm1 Kinase Activity Reveals Functions Required for Early G1 Events

In budding yeast, the Elm1 kinase is required for coordination of cell growth and cell division at G(2)/M. Elm1 is also required for efficient cytokinesis and for regulation of Swe1, the budding yeast homolog of the Wee1 kinase. To further characterize Elm1 function, we engineered an ELM1 allele that can be rapidly and selectively inhibited in vivo. We found that inhibition of Elm1 kinase activity during G(2) results in a phenotype similar to the phenotype caused by deletion of the ELM1 gene, as expected. However, inhibition of Elm1 kinase activity earlier in the cell cycle results in a prolonged G(1) delay. The G(1) requirement for Elm1 kinase activity occurs before bud emergence, polarization of the septins, and synthesis of G(1) cyclins. Inhibition of Elm1 kinase activity during early G(1) also causes defects in the organization of septins, and inhibition of Elm1 kinase activity in a strain lacking the redundant G(1) cyclins CLN1 and CLN2 is lethal. These results demonstrate that the Elm1 kinase plays an important role in G(1) events required for bud emergence and septin organization.
The elastic constants for single-crystal lead and indium from room temperature to the melting point

Abstract The adiabatic elastic stiffness constants of indium and lead were measured from room temperature to their respective melting points using the ultrasonic pulse-echo method. The average temperature derivatives at constant pressure, dC ij dT = C' ij , for the indium constants are: C' 11 = −0.032 C' 12 = −0.0055 C' 13 = −0.011 C' 33 = −0.032 C' 44 = −0.0059 C' 66 = −0.022 in units of 1010dyne cm−2deg−1, and are referred to axes coincident with those of the face-centered tetragonal unit cell. The average temperature derivatives at constant pressure for the lead elastic constants are, in the same units, C' 11 = −0.0264 C' 12 = −0.0156 C' 44 = −0.0155. The elastic anisotropies of both lead and indium increase markedly with increasing temperature.
Characterization of Ceramic Microprocessing

Achieving improvements in the properties of many technical ceramics requires producing microstructures with uniform grains and an average grain size of <10 μm. Control of powders in the <10 μm size range is difficult and characterization of the powders throughout the processing cycle is essential. Control of such fine, active powders is an integral part of ceramic microprocessing.
Dynamic Web Tools for Trigonometry

In the last 20 years, computer technology having mathematical capability has been developed, improved, and become widely available, but textbook presentations are still largely free of any discussion that might require technology. Technology could be used in mathematical instruction for student drill and practice, for instructor demonstrations that promote conceptual understanding, or for the exploration of mathematical ideas, but software is often designed to be pedagogically generic, leaving its use to the creativity of the instructor. Technological solutions for local machines can be quite extensive, but cost and time constraints then limit availability for student use. The internet has the capability to provide mathematical instruction at all hours and in all places, with little financial investment by the student. This article describes the issues encountered and addressed by the author as he attempted to include self-authored web-based instructional units into a traditional trigonometry class.
Incremental Maintenance of Materialized XQuery Views

Materializing the contents of views has important applications including providing fast access to derived database repositories, optimizing query processing based on cached results, and increasing availability. Maintaining the consistency between materialized views and their base data in the presence of source updates is important to ensure that the materialized views are up-to-date. The straightforward solution for this problem is to recompute the view from scratch over the updated sources.
Increase or Decrease? The Impact of the International Migratory Event on Immigrant Religious Participation

Immigrant religiosity has recently become a hot topic both in academia and in the public arena. For years, a debate has existed as to whether there is an increase or decrease of immigrant religious participation surrounding the migratory event. Some argue that the act of migration spurs an increase in immigrant religious participation, while others contend that migration is a disruptive event and decreases immigrant religious participation. In addition to contextual factors, a number of micro-level factors may explain this change in religious participation: sex, family composition, religious affiliation, and employment status. This article uses longitudinal data from Quebec, Canada surveying nearly 1,000 immigrants during the 1990s. Results indicate that immigrant religious participation decreases substantially as compared to the average level of religious participation among the same immigrants prior to their migration. Besides religious affiliation, most of the micro-level factors hypothesized to explain this change in religious participation prove statistically insignificant. The lack of significant results for micro-level factors points to environmental factors that may be at work.
Enzymatic Biofuel Cell with a Flow-through Toray Paper Bioanode for Improved Fuel Utilization

This paper describes the design and testing of a microfluidic biofuel cell that uses a flow-through bioanode and an air-breathing cathode. The bioanode is Toray carbon paper with glucose dehydrogenase (GDH), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and methylene green immobilized within a hydrogel. The cathode consists of a commercially available air-breathing platinum cathode hot pressed to a Nafion membrane. All remaining biofuel cell components were laser-cut from poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and silicone sheets. Half-cell experiments indicate that cathode variability limits the biofuel cell. An examination of flow rate effects on the biofuel cell showed that the current density increased sharply up to about 1 mL/min. Tested at this flow rate, the flow-through biofuel cell achieved a maximum current and power density of 705 μA/cm 2 and 146 μW/cm 2 . This was a 6% and 29% improvement in the current and power density, respectively, compared to the previously demonstrated bioanode without flow. Fuel utilization was calculated based on the measured current and by measuring UV-Vis absorbance of the reduced form of hydroxybenzhydrazide. The maximum fuel utilization was 5.8% at a flow rate of 0.05 mL/min. Finally, a numerical model of the biofuel cell was designed and its results compare favorably to actual data.
Minor additions of Sn in a bulk glass-forming Fe-based system

Minor additions of Sn in the bulk glass-forming Fe 61− x Sn x Y 2 Zr 8 Co 5 Cr 2 Mo 7 B 15 ( x = 0% to 2%) system were studied in detail. It was found that combinations of Y and Sn can scavenge oxygen out of the undercooled liquids to form innocuous oxides, thus stabilizing the liquids. Besides this beneficial scavenging effect, Sn additions in the present Fe-based alloys also showed complex alloying effects on glass formation, which can be divided into three stages. At stage I ( x ≤ 0.5%), the microalloyed compositions associate with the same eutectic as that of the base alloy. The glass-forming ability (GFA) of the resulting alloys is determined primarily by their liquidus temperature and similar to that of the base alloy. At stage II (0.85% ≤ x ≤ 1.15%), glass-matrix composite structures start to form because the alloy compositions are adjusted into a new “deeper” eutectic system. At stage III ( x > 1.15%), however, alloy compositions shift to another new eutectic system, and the GFA is dramatically decreased due to the strong formation of primary phase α–Fe. Homogeneous glass-matrix composites with a diameter of 7 mm in the alloy containing 1.0–1.15% Sn were successfully produced.
Short Peripheral Intravenous Catheters and Infections

The rate of infections associated with short peripheral intravenous catheters is thought to be very low, even rare. Approximately 330 million peripheral catheters are sold annually in the United States. Although the rate may be low, the actual number of infections could be relatively high, with most going undetected because of short dwell times and early patient discharges. A recent estimate reported as many as 10000 Staphylococcus aureus bacteremias from peripheral catheters annually in the United States. This integrative literature review identified soft tissue, bone, and bloodstream infections. Analysis of 45 studies revealed significant knowledge gaps and inadequate clinical practices associated with one of the most common devices used in all health care settings.
3000V, 25A pulse power asymmetrical highly interdigitated SiC Thyristors

A 3000V, 25A asymmetrical Silicon Carbide (SiC) Thyristor for pulse power applications is described here. It was fabricated on ultra low micropipe density 4H-SiC wafers. The device design, fabrication, wafer testing, packaging, static and dynamic characteristics are presented. The devices' chip area is 4mm×4mm, the yield after screening for blocking voltage, leakage current, forward drop, and latching is over 80%, a very high yield by the standards of SiC power devices. The chips are packaged in a 200°C capable, low profile, surface mount package with a low junction to case thermal resistance. The chips were tested both on-wafer and as packaged parts and exhibit very low leakage current (less than 1μA at 3000V and 25°C, less than 10μA at 3000V and 150°C), low forward drop at 25A (4.55V at 25A). Several devices were packaged and subsequently tested over several days under high current with no forward voltage degradation observed. While the devices were designed for 3kV blocking voltage, the actual packaged parts had a breakdown voltage >3.5kV. Pulse tests were performed to determine the devices' maximum pulse current, di/dt, and dv/dt performance.
On the Ambiguity Function of Random Binary-Phase-Coded Waveforms

The ambiguity function of truly random binary-phase-coded waveforms, as an approximation to those waveforms commonly employed in binary-modulated pseudonoise systems/encoded radar systems, is investigated. In a statistical sense, the ambiguity function is analytically derived in which the normally used deterministic cross-correlation process is replaced by its ensemble average. Various Doppler filter responses are presented and discussed. The results are compared with those obtained by transmitting an aperiodic maximum length pseudorandom sequence. It is shown that the ambiguity function of the latter case is closely represented by the ensemble-average response of the truly random binary signal.
Category Signaling and Reputation

We propose that category membership can operate as a collective market signal for quality when low-quality producers face higher costs of gaining membership. The strength of membership as a collective signal increases with the sharpness of the category boundary, that is, contrast. Our empirical study focuses on biodynamic and organic viticulture in Alsace.
Lithium and oxygen vacancies and their role in Li2O2 charge transport in Li–O2 batteries

It is now well accepted that charge transport through Li2O2 is a serious limitation in Li–O2 batteries. We report formation energies for the different charge states of Li, O and O2 vacancies in Li2O2 that could have important implications for charge transport through Li2O2. Charge transition levels are given as a function of the location of the Fermi level in Li2O2 relative to the valence band maximum (VBM). We argue that in Li–O2 discharge/charge electrochemistry, the Fermi level is pinned by LiO2 interface states at ∼0.35 eV above the VBM and this causes the vacancies to be in positively charged states (weakly violating local charge neutrality). We show by non-equilibrium Greens function calculations of charge transport through a Au|Li2O2 + VLiq |Au metal–insulator–metal structure (with VLiq a Li vacancy of charge state q), that the +1 and 0 charge state induces considerable scattering for tunneling holes. This tunneling is the previously proposed dominant mechanism of charge transport in Li–O2 batteries at practical current densities at room temperature, although we also proposed a contribution from hole polaron migration at very low currents and higher temperatures. We suggest that scattering of the tunneling holes by the positively charged vacancies (and possibly hole polarons) is the origin of the resistive loss observed in Li–O2 discharges in bulk electrolysis cells (where other forms of resistance are negligible). Thus, we argue that charged vacancies hinder charge transport through Li2O2 in Li–O2 electrochemical discharges.
State administration and economic reform: Old dog snubs master, but learns new tricks

(1989). State administration and economic reform: Old dog snubs master, but learns new tricks. The Pacific Review: Vol. 2, The People's Republic of China: Fortieth anniversary issue, pp. 94-106.
Smallest possible electromagnetic mode volume in a dielectric cavity

In photonic crystals, electromagnetic waves can be confined in all three dimensions leading to very small mode volumes. Computational search has been for smallest electromagnetic mode which occurs in two-dimensional dielectric photonic crystals slabs. The smallest mode volume found was V/spl ap/2(/spl lambda//2n)/sup 3/, where n is the refractive index. This small mode volume can lead to significant enhancement of spontaneous emission rates in semiconductor nano-cavities due to the Purcell effect.
Kinetics of thermal decomposition of CuSO4 · 5H2O to CuO

The effect of particle size, type of crucible, and heating rate on the thermal curves obtained simultaneously for CuSO4 · 5H2O were discussed. The dissociation steps were confirmed. Thermogravimetric techniques for determining the rate-controlling processes and kinetic parameters were applied for the dehydration steps and the calcination of CuSO4 and CuSO4 · CuO. For the dehydration of the monohydrate one mechanism operates but the activation energy and preexponential factor vary over wide ranges. Differentiating between various mechanisms using the same technique was sometimes difficult giving completely different values for the kinetic parameters. In view of such difficulties the various methods were assessed, the best techniques to treat similar results were recommended and the operating mechanisms and kinetic parameters for the various steps were thus established.
CO2 enrichment increases carbon and nitrogen input from fine roots in a deciduous forest

Summary • Greater fine-root production under elevated [CO2] may increase the input of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) to the soil profile because fine root populations turn over quickly in forested ecosystems. • Here, the effect of elevated [CO2] was assessed on root biomass and N inputs at several soil depths by combining a long-term minirhizotron dataset with continuous, root-specific measurements of root mass and [N]. The experiment was conducted in a CO2-enriched sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) plantation. • CO2 enrichment had no effect on root tissue density or [N] within a given diameter class. Root biomass production and standing crop were doubled under elevated [CO2]. Though fine-root turnover declined under elevated [CO2], fine-root mortality was also nearly doubled under CO2 enrichment. Over 9 yr, root mortality resulted in 681 g m−2 of extra C and 9 g m−2 of extra N input to the soil system under elevated [CO2]. At least half of these inputs were below 30 cm soil depth. • Increased C and N input to the soil under CO2 enrichment, especially below 30 cm depth, might alter soil C storage and N mineralization. Future research should focus on quantifying root decomposition dynamics and C and N mineralization deeper in the soil.
Simulation and optimization of 420-nm InGaN/GaN laser diodes

Using self-consistent laser simulation, we analyze the performance of nitride Fabry-Perot laser diodes grown on sapphire. The active region contains three 4 nm InGaN quantum wells. It is sandwiched between GaN separate confinement layers and superlattice AlGaN/GaN cladding layers. AlGaN is used as an electron barrier layer. Pulsed lasing is measured near 420 nm wavelength and at temperatures up to 120 o C. Advanced laser simulation is applied to link microscopic device physics to measurable device performance. Our two-dimensional laser model considers carrier drift and diffusion including thermionic emission at hetero -boundaries. The local optical gain is calculated from the wurtzite band structure employing a non Lorentzian line broadening model. All material parameters used in the model are evaluated based on recent literature values as well as our own experimental data. Simulation results are in good agreement with measurements. Multi-lateral mode lasing is calculated with a high order vertical mode. The carrier distribution among quantum wells is found to be strongly non-uniform leading to a parasitic (absorbing) quantum well. The influence of defect recombination, vertical carrier leakage and lateral current spreading is investigated. The reduction of such carrier losses is important to achieve lower threshold currents and less self-heating. Several device optimization options are proposed. Elimination of the parasitic quantum well is shown to substantially enhance the device performance.
Radular Morphology of Extinct Pleurocerids (Gastropoda: Cerithioidea: Pleuroceridae)

Abstract: The freshwater gastropod family Pleuroceridae suffers from a disproportionately high number of imperiled species and recent extinctions. As pleurocerid diversity has been lost, so too has our ability to study the biology of these animals. However, many extinct species were deposited in natural history collections before their demise. I extracted radulae from dried tissue left in shells of seven extinct species in three genera (Leptoxis Rafinesque, 1819, Gyrotoma Shuttleworth, 1845, Lithasia Haldeman, 1840) to gain insights into the morphological differences separating species and provide data for future researchers. There were notable intergeneric and interspecific differences in radular morphology such as shape of cusps (e.g., dagger-like vs. blunt) and number of denticles on the rachidian, lateral, and marginal teeth. Interestingly, the degree of radular differences among Leptoxis spp. likely corroborates previous hypotheses that the genus is not a natural group. These data are a resource for ...
Content-Free Image Retrieval Based on Relations Exploited from User Feedbacks

We propose a new "content-free" image retrieval method which attempts to exploit certain common tendencies that exist among people's interpretation of images from user feedbacks. The system simply accumulates records of user feedback and recycles them in the form of collaborative filtering. We discuss various issues of image retrieval, argue for the idea of content-free, and present results of experiment. The results indicate that the performance of content-free image retrieval improves with the number of accumulated feedbacks, outperforming a basic but typical conventional content-based image retrieval system
Egyptian Ideas, Minoan Rituals: Evidence of the Interconnections between Crete and Egypt in the Bronze Age on the Hagia Triada Sarcophagus

The Hagia Triada Sarcophagus, a painted limestone larnax, has been an enigma in the Minoan artistic canon since the time of its discovery in 1903. It is the only larnax found to date made of limestone, and the only one to contain a series of narrative scenes of Minoan funerary rituals. Conversely, most contemporaneous Aegean larnake are decorated with randomly arranged abstract designs and figures. The late twentieth century re-excavations at the site of its discovery have, at last, allowed scholars to assign a tentative date (1370-1320 BC) to the sarcophagus. This period coincides with the late Eighteenth Dynasty in Egypt, a time when interconnections between Crete and Egypt were extensive. This development now permits a reexamination of the artistic and technical elements on the Hagia Triada Sarcophagus that seem closely related to the Egyptian techniques used to decorate temples and tombs since the third millennium BC. DOI:10.2458/azu_jaei_v04i1_martino
Payout by Charities Over 50 Years

This proposal would require a section 501(c)(3) charitable organization to spend or distribute a gift, both as to principal and interest, over the 50 years following receipt of the gift. The goal of the rule is to increase the good that comes from charitable deductions and reduce the administrative burden. Within broad definitions of charity, the worthiness of a charity is defined more by process than by detailed substantive rules — a donor can be presumed to be trying to do the most good with his money. The world changes over time, however, and after 50 years it is different. The 50-year payout requirement would strengthen the tie between the wisdom of the donor and the most pressing needs of the times.The requirement would also diminish the problems from charitable boards that are accountable on substance to nobody but themselves. A board without competition, recent donations, or meaningful substantive accountability should lose its special claim to control the money over time. A charity with continuing support, however, would not go out of business. The accounting would treat the earliest gifts as given out first, so that an active charity with both new contributions and high expenditures would have long since distributed its old funds.This proposal is made as a part of the Shelf Project, which is a coalition to improve the efficiency and rationality of the income tax. Shelf Project proposals raise revenue, while also making the tax system more efficient and reducing deadweight loss. For tax rate increases, by contrast, deadweight loss is an additive, not an offset.
An automated soil line identification method using relevance vector machine

The soil line is an important concept that describes the linear relationship between reflectance of bare soils in the near-infrared (NIR) and red (R) spectral bands. Bare soil line parameters (slope and intercept) are used in calculating several vegetation indices. Previous studies have proposed both manual and empirical procedures in estimating the bare soil parameters. Manual procedures introduce some amount of subjectivity in identifying the soil line. Empirical methods often suffer because of variations caused by soil type, moisture, and organic matter contents. The existence of non-bare soil pixels also affects these procedures. In this study, we proposed an automated supervised learning algorithm using relevance vector machine (RVM) for extracting the soil line from Landsat images. The 10-fold cross validation (10-fold CV) indicated 92% accuracy for distinguishing bare soil and other non-bare soil pixels from an image. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve reached a value ...
Plasma Polymerization of Low Dielectric Constant Fluoro-Hydrocarbon Film

Low dielectric constant fluoro-hydrocarbon polymer films were deposited using an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma source with pentafluorostyrene as a precursor. The pentafluorostyrene is a cyclic liquid monomer with relative high vapor pressure. The chemical structure of the deposited films were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. The structure of deposited films studies gave an insight of the fluorohydrocarbon polymer formation regarding to deposition conditions. The dielectric constant of the film was found in the range of 2.2 to 2.4. The influence of deposition conditions on chemical, physical and electrical properties of the resulting films were evaluated.
Applying of Reformative Kalman Filter in Oil Conveying Pipeline’s Leakage Supervising

This paper uses the reformative Kalman filter to deal with the original pressure data sampling from oil conveying pipeline in real time to eliminate the noise interference and to improve the signal noise ratio.It also uses the signal after being filtered to give an alarm and exact position of the leakage of oil conveying pipeline.The emulation and engineering applying shows that the reformative Kalman filter designed by this paper can largely improve the alarming reliability and orientation precision of oil conveying pipeline.
WavePy: a Python package for wave optics

Phase screen-based wave optics simulations are a fundamental tool used by researchers seeking to understand the effect of atmospheric turbulence on laser beam propagation and imaging. Most wave optics packages are either themselves proprietary or rely on expensive, proprietary software packages. We have developed WavePy, a wave optics package based in the open-source Python programming environment. Using WavePy we have been able to produce turbulence-corrupted imagery similar to those observed by ground-based telescopes imaging space objects. We have also simulated plane wave and spherical wave propagation through uniform turbulence volumes. In both cases, we found the execution time between the WavePy and MATLAB versions to be similar under certain circumstances.
Philosophical Orientation: A New Dimension for Market Segmentation by Nonprofit Organizations

This paper analyzes the relative effectiveness of philosophical orientation versus lifestyle variables as a basis for segmenting the market for nonprofit organizations. Philosophical orientation, measured here as one’s willingness to support environmental causes, affects individuals’ likelihood to financially support an organization with compatible views but not necessarily to become a frequent visitor.
Turning Conflict into Citizen Participation and Power

The voice of watershed residents – whether in agreement or disagreement – is an essential part of the learning and negotiation process needed for internal change in beliefs and active engagement, which is the only route to sustainable adoption of appropriate conservation practices. While conflict is generally thought to be a barrier to community action, it can be used as an asset to strengthen local watershed councils and other community organizations. The underlying principle of local control and local leadership is central to leveraging conflict to achieve positive community watershed outcomes. During my 11 years as an extension community development specialist, I found that even when local leadership is inexperienced, under conditions of local control, conflict assumes a different character than when state and federal agencies attempt to drive change from the top down. In this chapter, I will discuss conflict and authority’s political dimensions, types of conflict, the importance of turmoil and conflict, and strategies to enhance the value of conflict as a community development asset. My community development work in Iowa’s Maquoketa watershed is used as a case study to illustrate these concepts.
Asystole From Direct Laryngoscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review

The rare and potentially fatal complication of asystole during direct laryngoscopy is linked to direct vagal stimulation. This case describes asystole in an 85-year-old female who underwent suspension microlaryngoscopy with tracheal dilation for subglottic stenosis. Quick recognition of this rare event with immediate cessation of laryngoscopy resulted in the return of normal sinus rhythm. This incident emphasizes the implications of continued vigilance during laryngoscopy and the importance of communication between the anesthesia and surgical staff to identify and treat this rare complication. The case was successfully concluded by premedication with an anticholinergic and by increasing the depth of anesthesia.
Application of Mass Spectrometry to Forensic Toxicology

The use of mass spectrometry in forensic toxicology to detect acidic and neutral drugs is discussed. The speed and versatility of the mass spectrometer make it suitable for detecting these drugs and their metabolites. The advantages of using this method as an analytical tool include the ability to identify drugs for which good chemical tests are lacking, the use of small samples, and the saving of time by direct determination of acidic and neutral fractions without further purification. The mass spectra of these drugs can be obtained at volatilization temperatures below those necessary for normally-occurring interfering tissue impurities.
Influence of biobased silica/carbon hybrid nanoparticles on thermal and mechanical properties of biodegradable polymer films

Abstract In this study, biobased silica/carbon hybrid nanoparticles (SCNPs) were synthesized using pyrolysis process and reinforced in to polymer film using 3D printing technique. These polymer films were further tested for their thermal and mechanical properties to determine the influence of silica/carbon nanoparticles on the properties of the biopolymer . The SCNPs were synthesized from agricultural waste rice husk by high temperature pressure reaction. These nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy , and Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis and revealed the formation of highly crystalline cristobalite silica/carbon hybrid nanomaterial . X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS) analysis showed the presence of elemental Si, C, and O in the as-synthesized SCNPs. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurements showed the surface area of 223.029 m2 /g, for as prepared nanoparticles. The 3D printed biocomposites thin films were characterized by XRD, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy, FE-SEM and Tensile analysis. The FE-SEM analysis of the composites showed the uniform dispersion of nanoparticles in the biopolymer. TGA and Tensile tests revealed significant enhancement in thermal stability, maximum strain and strain to failure properties due to the integration of 0.5 and 1.0 wt% of silica/carbon nanoparticles (SCNPs). Also, DSC analysis showed the moderate improvement of glass transition temperature and crystallization temperature as compared to the neat polymer. This increase may be due to the increased crosslinking of polymer by incorporation of thermally stable SCNPs nanoparticles.
Liam: an actor based programming model for HDLs

The Liam paradigm is a collection of constructs aimed at managing latency-insensitive behavior. These constructs are language-agnostic, although implementing them requires integrating them into the compilater. For this paper, we use a custom, Python-like HDL called Pyrope to both provide concise code samples, and because the Pyrope compiler was designed with Liam-integration in mind.
Pathophysiology of Itch

Chronic itch is a clinically challenging yet scientifically remarkable and complex process. Increasing understanding of the pathophysiology of chronic itch is leading to targeted therapeutic approaches that are now dramatically improving quality of life. This improvement will accelerate as the tools of basic and clinical research continue to be applied to this previously intractable problem.
Application of Multivariate Data Analysis Techniques for the Portable Isotopic Neutron Spectroscopy System

The Portable Isotopic Neutron Spectroscopy (PINS) is a commercialized system developed by Idaho National Laboratory to examine chemical compounds in munitions and containers non-destructively, utilizing the Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) technique. The PINS system takes advantage of a germanium detector’s high energy resolution, and gamma-ray peak analysis provides input to its chemical identification logic using a probabilistic decision tree. Multivariate analysis (MVA) techniques were contemplated with the expectation that they could supplement the current PINS algorithm. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was selected to project gamma-ray spectra into the principal component domain. A PCA-based chemical identification algorithm was tested, and the results are presented in this study.
Distribution Model Creation using Circuit Maps for Applied PV Impact Studies

Photovoltaic (PV) generation is becoming increasingly common on power distribution systems. The output fluctuations of this variable resource necessitate the creation of an accurate model to ensure that any adverse impacts to the distribution system are properly addressed. To reduce model creation time, a method of extracting data from AutoCAD drawings using scripted methods was developed. This paper will present a distribution model creation and validation process, document case studies of evaluating the impact of PV interconnections on utility distribution feeders and discuss future applications. PV integration was found to be easier on 23 kV circuit branches compared to 4.16 kV circuit branches in terms of voltage and fault current.
Psychiatric Outcomes of Patients With Severe Agitation Following Administration of Prehospital Ketamine.

BACKGROUND Ketamine is an emerging drug used in the management of undifferentiated, severe agitation in the prehospital setting. However, prior work has indicated that ketamine may exacerbate psychotic symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. The objective of this study was to describe psychiatric outcomes in patients who receive prehospital ketamine for severe agitation. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study, conducted at two tertiary academic medical centers, utilizing chart review of patients requiring prehospital sedation for severe agitation from January 1, 2014, to June 30, 2016. Patients received either intramuscular (IM) versus intravenous (IV) ketamine or IM versus IV benzodiazepine. The primary outcome was psychiatric inpatient admission with secondary outcomes including ED psychiatric evaluation and nonpsychiatric inpatient admission. Generalized estimating equations and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare cohorts. RESULTS During the study period, 141 patient encounters met inclusion with 59 (42%) receiving prehospital ketamine. There were no statistically significant differences between the ketamine and benzodiazepine cohorts for psychiatric inpatient admission (6.8% vs. 2.4%, difference = 4.3%, 95% CI = -2% to 12%, p = 0.23) or ED psychiatric evaluation (8.6% vs. 15%, difference = -6.8%, 95% CI = -18% to 5%, p = 0.23). Patients with schizophrenia who received ketamine did not require psychiatric inpatient admission (17% vs. 10%, difference = 6.7%, 95% CI = -46% to 79%, p = 0.63) or ED psychiatric evaluation (17% vs. 50%, difference = -33%, 95% CI = -100% to 33%, p = 0.55) significantly more than those who received benzodiazepines, although the subgroup was small (n = 16). While there was no significant difference in the nonpsychiatric admission rate between the ketamine and benzodiazepine cohorts (35% vs. 51%, p = 0.082), nonpsychiatric admissions in the benzodiazepine cohort were largely driven by intubation (63% vs. 3.8%, difference = 59%, 95% CI = 38% to 79%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Administration of prehospital ketamine for severe agitation was not associated with an increase in the rate of psychiatric evaluation in the emergency department or psychiatric inpatient admission when compared with benzodiazepine treatment, regardless of the patient's psychiatric history.
Single flat lens enabling imaging in the short-wave infra-red (SWIR) band

We designed and fabricated a flat multi-level diffractive lens (MDL) that is achromatic in the SWIR band (875 nm to 1675 nm). The MDL had a focal length of 25 mm, aperture diameter of 8.93 mm, and thickness of only 2.6 µm. By pairing the MDL with a SWIR image sensor, we also characterized its imaging performance in terms of the point-spread functions, modulation-transfer functions, and still and video imaging.
Considerations on medical training for gender-affirming care: Motivations and perspectives.

Background: Many transgender individuals lack access to needed medical care, partially due to a lack of providers with experience in gender-affirming healthcare.Aims: The purpose of this study was ...
Popov and the Beginnings of Radiotelegraphy

Popov's role in the development of radiotelegraphy is evaluated in relation to the contributions of other pioneers, notably Lodge and Marconi. The official Soviet position on the matter is critically reviewed.
Crosstalk in microwave SQUID multiplexers

Low-temperature detector technologies provide extraordinary sensitivity for applications ranging from precision measurements of the cosmic microwave background to high-resolution, high-rate x-ray, and γ-ray spectroscopy. To utilize this sensitivity, new instruments are being built, and new instruments are imagined, with ever greater pixel counts, but the scale of these instruments is limited by the capability of the readout electronics. Microwave SQUID multiplexing addresses the needs of these future instruments, exploiting gigahertz of bandwidths of coaxial cables and broadband components to combine hundreds to thousands of signals on a single readout line. A key feature of any multiplexer is the level of crosstalk between input channels. This crosstalk can degrade the sensitivity of the instrument, introduce systematic error, or simply confound data analysis. In this letter, we explain the primary mechanisms of crosstalk in a microwave SQUID multiplexer, calculate and measure their magnitude, and consider their effect and methods of mitigation.
Using Genre Theory to Reduce Mass Shootings

“Suicide contagion” is a well-established phenomenon in which highly publicized suicides are followed by a spike in the general suicide rate. In recent years, scholars have proposed a similar media contagion effect in mass shootings, a claim that’s supported by a growing body of statistical and sociological evidence. The fact that increased media coverage is linked to an increase in the probability of another mass shooting suggests that news media exercise some power over mass shootings. This paper, drawing attention to the “genres” within mass shootings, explores how news media can rewrite these narratives in order to craft a more responsible response.