cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
School absence, academic accommodation and health-related quality of life in adolescents with sport-related concussion

Objective Determine school absence and accommodation frequency, accommodation type, and relationship to health-related quality of life (HRQOL), following concussion. Design Repeated measures. Setting Secondary schools. Patients or Other Participants Athletes with diagnosed concussion (n=149; males=130, females=19, age=15.7±1.1, grade=10.0±1.0). Interventions Sport-Concussion Assessment Tool-2 (SCAT2), a general survey, paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), Multidimensional Fatigue Scale, and Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) were administered on date of injury (DOI), and days 3(D3), 10(D10), and 30(D30) post-injury. The general survey captured academic absence and accommodation occurrences and accommodation type. Main Outcome Measures Dependent variables: school absence; academic accommodation; and, type of accommodation received. Descriptive and Mann-Whitney U analyses were employed. Results Of 143 patients: 28% (n=40) missed school, 16.1% (n=23) received academic accommodations, and 7.7% (n=11) experienced both. The most frequent accommodation was shorter school day (n=9 (39%)). Those requiring accommodations: missed more school, had lower D3 physical, psychosocial, and school functioning, and PedsQL total score; and had higher D30 HIT6 score (all p Conclusions Results suggest that SRC-induced school absence and accommodations are related to declines in DOI and D3 HRQOL and increased symptom severity. Further research should explore the predictive value of these measures to future academic disruption. Acknowledgements This study was funded by a grant from the National Operating Committee for Standards on Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE). Competing interests None.
Describing data fusion using category theory

The process of multi-sensor data fusion and its taronomy is abstracted and described in the language of category theory. Categories are developed for sensors, data sets, processors, feature sets, classifiers, and label sets. Fusion rules are defined and shown to hold a unique role within the various categories. Fusion processes can then be described as the optimization affusion des within rhe appropriate categorj
Force-frequency compensation applied to four-point mounting of AT-cut resonators

For precision applications, where ruggedness is required, it is necessary to mount AT-cut resonators at four points. This note considers mounts consisting of pairs of diametric edge attachments. A locus is found for the angles of attachment to circular plates such that radially directed edge forces are compensated. One locus point is found to be particularly frequency insensitive to mounting errors and defines the optimal setting for the four-point mount.
Stakeholder understandings of wildfire mitigation: A case of shared and contested meanings

This article identifies and compares meanings of wildfire risk mitigation for stakeholders in the Front Range of Colorado, USA. We examine the case of a collaborative partnership sponsored by government agencies and directed to decrease hazardous fuels in interface areas. Data were collected by way of key informant interviews and focus groups. The analysis is guided by the Circuit of Culture model in communication research. We found both shared and differing meanings between members of this partnership (the “producers”) and other stakeholders not formally in the partnership (the “consumers”). We conclude that those promoting the partnership’s project to mitigate risk are primarily aligned with a discourse of scientific management. Stakeholders outside the partnership follow a discourse of community. We argue that failure to recognize and account for differences in the way risk mitigation is framed and related power dynamics could hamper the communicational efforts of the collaborative partnership and impact goals for fuels reduction. We recommend ways that both groups can capitalize on shared meanings and how agency managers and decision makers can build better working relationships with interface communities and other external stakeholders.
An Experimental Study of the Saturation Level in the Cathode Gas Diffusion Layer of a PEM Fuel Cell

A Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell with a flow field that can be switched between the serpentine flow mode and the interdigitated flow mode was used to measure the liquid water saturation level in the gas diffusion layer (GDL) of the cathode. The gas pressure drop across the GDL was used along with the correlations between the saturation level and gas relative permeability obtained by neutron imaging to determine the liquid water saturation level in the GDL during operation. The results showed that the saturation levels in the cathode GDL during the interdigitated mode was much lower than that during the serpentine mode leading to better oxygen gas access to the cathode catalyst layer and consequently better fuel cell performance, especially at high current densities and low oxygen stoichiometric flow rate.
Performance tests for a Micro-Integrator algorithm which reduces the numerical butterfly effect in time evolving nonlinear systems

In computing solutions to chaotic systems, slight deviations in step size could lead to completely diverging trajectories as the system's time series progresses. This is called the numerical butterfly effect. Smaller step sizes produce arrays closer to the desired continuous time solution, but they require more sampling points and as a result more memory. The Micro-Integrator produces results with a high level of accuracy while using only a fraction of the amount of memory required by conventional numerical integration methods. The reduction in memory requirements by the Micro-Integrator was quantified by introducing a performance factor ‘η’ that was mathematically equal to the ratio of the amount of memory required for computing without the Micro-Integrator to that required for computing with it. Recorded values of the performance factor from the tests ranged from 5 to 10,000; most of them were above 1,000. The performance factor was also found to depend on the type of chaotic system, the numerical method, and the time window for computation. Less computationally efficient numerical methods led to higher performance factors.
Cardiac electrophysiological phenotypes in postnatal expression of Nkx2.5 transgenic mice

Nkx2.5 is a conserved homeodomain (HD) containing a transcription factor essential for early cardiac development. We generated several mutations modeling some patients with congenital heart disease. Transgenic mice (tg) expressing the wildtype Nkx2.5 under beta-myosin heavy chain (MHC) promoter died during the embryonic stage. However, tg mice expressing this mutation under beta-MHC promoter (beta-MHC-TG(I183P)), the wildtype Nkx2.5 (alpha-MHC-TG(wild)), and a putative transcriptionally active mutant (carboxyl-terminus deletion, alpha-MHC-TG(DeltaC)) under alpha-MHC promoter showed postnatal lethal heart failure. Given the profound atrioventricular conduction abnormalities we recently demonstrated in beta-MHC-TG(I183P) mice, the aim of this study was to determine whether alpha-MHC-TG(wild) and alpha-MHC-TG(DeltaC) mutant mice display similar cardiac electrophysiological phenotypes. Surface ECG recordings and in vivo electrophysiology studies were performed in alpha-MHC-TG(wild) mice and controls at 6 weeks of age, and in alpha-MHC-TG(DeltaC) mice and controls at 10 weeks of age. Ambulatory ECG recordings in alpha-MHC-TG(wild) and controls were obtained using an implantable radiofrequency telemetry system. PR prolongation and atrioventricular nodal dysfunction were detected in alpha-MHC-TG(wild) and alpha-MHC-TG(DeltaC) mice. Bradycardia and prolonged PR interval were seen in ambulatory ECG of alpha-MHC-TG(wild) mice compared to controls. Several alpha-MHC-TG(wild) mice died of bradycardia. Fetal and neonatal mutant Nkx2.5 expression causes severe cardiac conduction failure. Postnatal overexpression of nonmutant (wild) Nkx2.5 also causes conduction abnormalities, although the onset is after the neonatal stage. Bradycardia and AV conduction failure may contribute to the lethal heart failure and early mortality.
Alanine and gluconeogenesis in man: effect of ethanol.

Alanine disappearance and disposal were studied in six normal human volunteers with l-alanine-U-14C. Fifty μCi of l-alanine-U-14C was administered as a single in injection on two separate occasions. The effect of ethanol on the metabolism of alanine was studied with the oral administration of bonded whiskey (19.6 g of ethanol followed 1 hr later by 9.8 g). In control studies, the plasma glucose and lactate concentrations remained constant during the experimental period. The half-life (t½) of plasma alanine radioactivity was 22.8 min ± 1.2 (sem, n = 6). 14C appeared promptly in glucose and reached plateau values within 30–60 min. 12.5% ± 0.9 of the administered dose of alanine-U-14C was recovered in glucose while 26.5% ± 3.0 of the administered dose was recovered in lactate. The t½ of plasma lactate SA after the injection of alanine U-14C was 32.7 min ± 1.1. During the administration of ethanol, plasma glucose concentrations were not altered but lactate concentrations increased from 0.98 ± 0.07 to 1.58 ± 0...
Shaping of pulses in optical grating-based laser systems for optimal control of electrons in laser plasma wake-field accelerator

In typical chirped pulse amplification (CPA) laser systems, scanning the grating separation in the optical compressor causes the well known generation of linear chirp of frequency vs. time in a laser pulse, as well as a modification of all the higher order phase terms. By setting the compressor angle slightly different from the optimum value to generate the shortest pulse, a typical scan around this value will produce significant changes to the pulse shape. Such pulse shape changes can lead to significant differences in the interaction with plasmas such as used in laser wake-field accelerators. Strong electron yield dependence on laser pulse shape in laser plasma wake-field electron acceleration experiments have been observed in the L'OASIS Lab of LBNL [W.P. Leemans, P. Catravas, E. Esarey, C.G.R. Geddes, C. Toth, R. Trines, C.B. Schroeder, B.A. Shadwick, J. van Tilborg, and J. Faure, Phys. Rev. Lett. 89, 174802 (2002)]. These experiments show the importance of pulse skewness parameter, S, defined here on the basis of the ratio of the 'head-width-half-max' (HWHM) and the 'tail-width-half-max' (TWHM), respectively.
Investigating the Energy Content and Storability of Torrefied Corn Stover Based on Varying Reaction Time and Temperature

This study investigates the effects of torrefaction temperature and time on the energy content and storage stability of bio-char derived from corn stover feedstock. The batch torrefaction system in this study uses 91.4 cm × 25.4 cm diameter reactors with electrical heating elements to torrefy large samples of corn stover. The reactor is typically loaded with 0.5 kg samples of chopped corn stover (stalks, leaves, and cobs) with particle surface areas ranging from 0.5–2.4 cm2. The operating temperatures range from 230–340 degrees C, while the operating times range from 30–60 minutes. After each reaction trial, the energy content of the bio-char is quantified using the heat of combustion value obtained from bomb calorimeter tests on each of the samples. Values from these tests are compared to previous research to investigate the feasibility of larger-scale torrefaction reactions with mixed component stover. Temperature and time profiles are obtained from an Arduino output to investigate temperature behaviors during the reaction. The temperature and energy content can provide the basis for defining the phases of torrefaction.The long-term goal of this research is to assess the viability of producing a high energy, storable bio-char as well as a usable biogas from the torrefaction process of corn stover feedstocks. Since compounds within the corn stover have different reaction rates, a composition analysis of samples at various stages in torrefaction will indirectly provide information on the usability of the biogas and behaviors of organic compounds in the reaction. Therefore, the torrefaction conditions must be specified before moving forward.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Arachidonic Acid Metabolites and Membrane Lipid Changes in Central Nervous System Injury

Following various forms of trauma to the brain and spinal cord, a series of membrane lipid changes occur that include large increases in free fatty acids and diacylglycerols and decreases in selected phospholipids and cholesterol. Occurrence of peroxidative damage is also indicated by decreased levels of membrane antioxidants and increased levels of peroxidation products. Among the free fatty acids, arachidonate shows the largest relative increase. A consequence of arachidonate release is its metabolism through the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways to produce prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and other eicosanoids, compounds with very potent physiological effects. The potential consequences of the membrane lipid alterations include changes in membrane permeability, edema induction, and reductions in activities of membrane-bound enzymes such as Na+,K+ -ATPase. The production of the eicosanoids may be related to the platelet aggregation, reduction in blood flow, and capillary damage seen following central nervous system trauma.
Recursive estimation for CAD model recovery

We describe a system for semiautomatically extracting 3-D object models from raw, uncalibrated video. The system utilizes a recursive estimator to accurately recover camera motion, point-wise structure, and camera focal length. Recovered 3-D points are used to compute a piecewise-smooth surface model for the object. Recovered motion and camera geometry are then used along with the original video to texture map the surfaces. We describe extensions to our previously-reported geometry estimation formulation that incorporate focal length estimation and other improvements, so that accurate estimates of structure and camera motion can be recovered from uncalibrated video cameras. We also discuss the buildup of texture maps from sequences of images, which is important in producing realistic looking models. Examples demonstrate generation of a realistic 3-D texture mapped model from a video sequence, the post-production manipulation of video, and the combination of computer graphics models with video. >
Nanosecond-scale spectroscopy of vacuum ultraviolet emission from pulsed atmospheric discharges

This paper describes a 2nd-generation system for directly studying the emission of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light from pulsed dielectric surface flashover at atmospheric pressure. The role of self-produced VUV emission (i.e. energies greater than 7 eV) on photo-ionization processes during the early nanoseconds of pulsed discharges is virtually unexplored, and yet could be a significant factor in the physics of fast breakdown of directed energy systems (such as MW-class high power microwave devices) in the aerospace community. First generation experiments at Texas Tech University have shown that VUV emission corresponding to nitrogen and oxygen excitation in the energy range 8-10 eV is easily produced, but the use of MgF2 optics inhibited future work with existing hardware due to the transmission cutoff of this dielectric material and chromatic aberration if used as a lensing medium. In an effort to enhance the detection capabilities of our hardware in the wavelength range from 115-135 nm, the current system utilizes a custom designed set of off-axis parabolic MgF2-Aluminium coated mirrors as the primary focusing element. High resolution spectroscopy with the upgraded system resulted in the observation of the nitrogen doublet at 149.5 nm, leading to a better fit for the appropriate line broadening parameters for an approximate 10 eV Boltzmann electronic temperature. Evidence of self-absorption for HI (121.5 nm) provides new insight into the generation of space charge in these plasma structures, which has been investigated quantitatively in both SF6-H2 and N2-H2 mixtures.
Morphologic and cytogenetic studies in vitro of surface‐adherent lymphoreticular cells derived from burkitt lymphoma tissue

A line of lymphoreticular cells (AL-1-G) that can adhere to glass surfaces has been derived from suspension cultures of Burkitt lymphoma cells (AL-1). By light microscopy, the predominant cell type in the AL-1-G cultures has features of a neoplastic histiocyte and ultrastructurally these cells have more elaborate development of cytoplasmic organelles, such as elements of the Golgi complex and mitochondria, than the predominant cell types in the suspension cultures of AL-1. Cytogenetically, the percentage of polyploid cells in the AL-1-G cultures increased progressively from 39% in 1967 to 100% in 1968 and 1969, while the percentage of polyploid cells in the suspension cultures remained between 12 and 24% during the same period. No herpesvirus or any other type of viral particle was found in the AL-1-G cultures on repeated electron microscopic examination.
The Effects of Age upon the Perception of Depth and 3-D Shape from Differential Motion and Binocular Disparity

The ability of younger and older adults to perceive the 3-D shape, depth, and curvature of smooth surfaces defined by differential motion and binocular disparity was evaluated in six experiments. The number of points defining the surfaces and their spatial and temporal correspondences were manipulated. For stereoscopic sinusoidal surfaces, the spatial frequency of the corrugations was also varied. For surfaces defined by motion, the lifetimes of the individual points in the patterns were varied, and comparisons were made between the perception of surfaces defined by points and that of more ecologically valid textured surfaces. In all experiments, the older observers were less sensitive to the depths and curvatures of the surfaces, although the deficits were much larger for motion-defined surfaces. The results demonstrate that older adults can extract depth and shape from optical patterns containing only differential motion or binocular disparity, but these abilities are often manifested at reduced levels of performance.
3-OCTYLTHIO- 1,1,1-TRIFLUORO-2-PROPANONE, A HIGH AFFINITY AND SLOW BINDING INHIBITOR OF JUVENILE HORMONE ESTERASE FROM TRICHOPLUSIA NI (HUBNER)

The nature of the inhibition of juvenile hormone esterase (JHE) from Trichoplusia ni (T. ni) by 3-octylthio-l,l,l-trifluoro-2-propanone (OTFP) was studied and the kinetic data presented are consistent with the mechanism of a slow and tight binding inhibitor. With the use of the above inhibitor, it was demonstrated that the classical methods, i.e. Lineweaver and Burk, which are based on the assumptions of a steady state are inadequate for determining the mechanism and the inhibition constants for the reaction of OTFP with JHE. The reaction was shown to he reversible based on the non-steady state kinetics with a dissocation constant (Ki) of ~ 1.2 x 10 -I° M. Values of 3.37 x 107 M -t min -t and 4.1 x 10 -3 min -t for the forward and reverse rate constants were calculated and indicate the nature of slow binding inhibition in comparison to ordinary substrate reactions. An application of Ackermann- Potter plots of tight binding inhibition was presented, and their usefulness in measuring the enzyme molar equivalency and its catalytic number towards JH-I and JH-III was evaluated. The molar equivalency of JHE in T. ni haemolymph which hydrolyzes JH-III (at a final concentration of 5.0 x 10 -6 M) at a rate of 33.8 nmol/min-ml was found to be 1.6 x 10 -6 M. The catalytic numbers for JH-I and JH-III were 37.1 and 19.4 min -~, respectively. These new kinetic parameters, in addition to the Michaelis constant (Km) and the maximum velocity (Vm~x) were applied to a study of enzyme--substrate specificity and an evaluation of the role of JHE in the regulation of JH-titre. Key Word Index: Trichoplusia ni, juvenile hormone esterase, inhibition, substrate specificity, kinetics, molarity, slow binding inhibitors, tight binding inhibitors, 3-octylthio-l,l,l-trifhioro-2-propanone
Load history effects on fatigue crack growth threshold for Ti–6Al–4V and Ti-17 titanium alloys

Abstract Load history effects on room temperature fatigue-crack-growth threshold measurement are evaluated for titanium alloys Ti–6Al–4V and Ti-17. Baseline thresholds are determined by the use of a conventional load-shedding technique. Load history is synthesized by precracking at Δ K levels with K max greater than the subsequently measured threshold. Threshold for the latter is defined as the first notice of crack propagation under increasing Δ K , constant R , step loading. An empirical overload model is developed to account for precracking history on the threshold. Stress relief annealing after precracking and prior to threshold measurement is demonstrated to eliminate load history effects on rising Δ K , constant R , step loading threshold measurement, and to be comparable to that made using load shedding, but with considerable time saving.
Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-functionalized nanoporous polymeric gratings: fabrication and application in biosensing

We have fabricated aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-functionalized nanoporous polymeric gratings by combining holographic interference patterning and APTES-functionalization of the pre-polymer syrup. The APTES facilitates the immobilization of biomolecules onto the polymeric grating surfaces. The successful detection of multiple biomolecules (biotin, steptavidin, biotinylated anti-rabbit IgG, and rabbit-IgG) indicates that the functionalized nanoporous polymeric gratings can act as biosensing platforms which are label-free, inexpensive, and applicable as high-throughput assays.
Pain Management: Functional Restoration for Chronic Low-Back-Pain Clients

Functional restoration is a concept for intervention of low back pain that has been developed by Mayer et al. (Spine 10:765–772, 1985). It relies on the concept that disability and participation restriction among clients with low back pain is the result of complex interactions among pain, physical deconditioning induced by inactivity, and psychosocial issues. The social cost, mainly indirect costs, induced by sick leave payments for chronic low back pain is high, and this has led to the development of multidisciplinary programs that include occupational therapy interventions.
Some Recent Advances in Cross-National Management Research

Several cross-national research programs demonstrate methodological advances in this field during the last decade. Findings related to geography and language reveal similarity among managers. Some ...
Transistor level micro-placement and routing for two-dimensional digital VLSI cell synthesis

Abstract : The automated synthesis of mask geometry for VLSI leaf cells, referred to as the cell synthesis problem, is an important component of any structured custom integrated circuit design environment. Traditional approaches based on the classic functional cell style of Uehara & VanCleemput pose this problem as a straightforward one-dimensional graph optimization problem for which optimal solution methods are known. However, these approaches are only directly applicable to static CMOS circuits and they break down when faced with more exotic logic styles. Our methodology is centered around techniques for the efficient modeling and optimization of geometry sharing. Chains of diffusion-merged transistors are formed explicitly and their ordering optimized for area and global routing. In addition, more arbitrary merged structures are supported by allowing electrically compatible adjacent transistors to overlap during placement. The synthesis flow in TEMPO begins with a static transistor chain formation step. These chains are broken at the diffusion breaks and the resulting sub-chains passed to the placement step. During placement, an ordering is found for each chain and a location and orientation is assigned to each sub-chain. Different chain orderings affect the placement by changing the relative sizes of the sub-chains and their routing contribution. We conclude with a detailed routing step and an optional compaction step.
Examples of shaped reflectors from a new shaping method

A new shaping method was introduced by Baker (see National Radio Science Meeting, p.239, 1995). The method gives a generalized theoretical basis for reflector shaping and provides a versatile and powerful technique for transforming a given input wavefront to a chosen output wavefront with maximal control over the amplitude distribution on the output wavefront. The article shows several results from the method, demonstrating its versatility.
A CAUTIONARY TALE: CRYPTIC SEXUAL SIZE DIMORPHISM IN A SOCIALLY MONOGAMOUS PASSERINE

Abstract Among socially monogamous birds, standard metrics suggest that males are only ∼5% larger than females. An untested assumption is that, with the exception of reproductive systems, males and females are scaled mirror images of one another. I used external morphological and skeletal data, and information on muscle mass and organ size, to test this assumption in a population of breeding Eastern Kingbirds (Tyrannus tyrannus). Male and female Eastern Kingbirds exhibited no differences in body mass or standard measures of size, except in a longer (∼6%) wing chord and tail in males. However, keel length, a character rarely measured in the field, was 9.7% larger in males. In principal component analysis, overall body size (PC1) failed to differ between the sexes unless keel length was included. Analysis of 16 skeletal characters also showed that only the bones associated with flight were larger in males. However, the most significant differences between the sexes was that lean dry pectoral muscle mass (LD...
Photo Quiz: Not-So-Humongous Fungus or an Imposter?

A 61-year-old female with a 5-year history of chronic sinusitis and intermittent ear pain had incomplete responses to numerous courses of antibiotics. Seasonal allergies often heralded sinusitis episodes. She did not smoke and used alcohol rarely. Her history was notable for a maxillofacial
Beyond Partnerships: The Power of Lean Supply Chains

Managing an integrated supply chain has become a necessary capability for competing in the global market. Cooperating with business partners prevents duplicating efforts and allows a company to focus on its core competencies. Hence, collaborating companies together have the potential to form a strong supply chain. At the individual company level, practitioners of lean concepts have demonstrated dramatic improvements in productivity within their manufacturing facilities. However, the potential benefits of lean implementation are limited to four walls of companies when business partners are excluded from integrating into a leaner overall value stream. The flow from a lean supplier to a lean customer may not be lean if the two parties are not synchronized. As a result, the supply chain formed within lean companies may not be lean after all, due to lack of cooperation and synchronization among participating companies. Extending the value stream from a lean company to its partners allows the company to widen the pursuit for perfection to the whole supply network. Furthermore, applying lean concepts to a supply chain opens new windows of opportunity for supply chain participants to collectively achieve higher levels of competitiveness. Thus, the integration of supply chain management and lean thinking covers both local and overall leanness, which leads to a truly lean supply chain. This chapter provides an overview of the lean supply chain, the including concepts, approaches, challenges, and future development. In the first part of the chapter, basic concepts and impacts of lean thinking will be introduced, followed by the issues of applying lean thinking in supply chain management. Then, an integrated framework of a lean supply chain will be presented. The second part of the chapter covers the building blocks of lean supply chains, including lean logistics, information technology, performance measurement and improvement, and collaboration beyond partnerships. Subsequently, the challenges for building or maintaining a sustainable lean supply chain will be discussed. Finally, discussions of potential developments that can further improve lean supply chains will be summarized in the concluding section.
Holomorphy, triality, and nonperturbative beta function in 2D supersymmetric QCD

In this paper, we study the RG flow in the nonlinear sigma models obtained from a 2D $\mathcal{N}=(0,2)$ supersymmetric QCD. The sigma model is parametrized by a single Kahler modulus. We determine its exact nonperturbative beta function using holomorphy, triality and the knowledge of the infrared fixed point.
Environmental History, Ecology, and Meaning

Over the last fifteen years, Donald Worster has been the most thoughtful and stimulating of American environmental historians. His concern with big problems, the clarity of his thought and prose, and his grasp of the field make him the ideal choice for explaining the fallacy of writing history as if human beings "have not been and are not truly part of the planet." His emphasis on the material grounding of human history is particularly timely given the current prominence of poststructuralist analysis with its potential for moving historical analysis ever further away from concern with the physical world in which human beings live.1 And yet in reading Professor Worster's article, at least some environmental historians besides myself will get an odd feeling of displacement among familiar surroundings. Reading the article is like viewing a television interview with a family that presents itself as altogether too harmonious. If conflicts or problems are admitted, they are minor; basic disagreements are quashed. Wayward spouses, delinquent children, threatening illnesses, and mortgages in arrears are not for public view. Such public presentations are hardly simple falsehoods, for the family member doing the speaking gets, in effect, to define the family as it ideally should be and as he or she hopes it will be. Similarly, Worster's account of environmental history is as much a prescription as a description. And while I share most of his ambitions for the field, things are not as harmonious or simple as they seem. Rather than quarrel with his prescriptions or present an alternate version, I'd like to examine some of the underlying issues that prompt Worster's program. Donald Worster is, first of all, attempting to define a new historical field in a way that makes it central to the discipline as a whole. He places environmental history at the point where the natural and the cultural intersect and interact with each other. With the field defined this way, it is difficult (I hope) for most historians to force it to the periphery of historical concerns.
2011: The Adam Smith Address Nightmare on Kaiserstrasse

It is a great honor to receive the 2011 Adam Smith award from the National Association for Business Economics. It is an honor both because of the important group that awards it and because of the extraordinarily distinguished list of recipients that have come before me. In this chapter, I will begin by discussing why sovereign debt crises often follow after a wave of international financial crises. I will then turn to the ongoing crisis in Europe, which is at the epicenter of the current phase of the larger crisis. Finally, I will speculate on the long-term implications for the international monetary system of a significant break-up in the euro system.
Looking within: Part 3. More ... photons, protons, and all that....

To summarize: Most radiographic and all fluoroscopic and CT studies make use of bremsstrahlung X-ray photons, with beam energies typically between 60 and 120 kVp. Breast imaging uses the nearly monochromatic (of only one wavelength and energy) characteristic X-rays of molybdenum, with energies just under 20 keV.
Biotic interactions with natural enemies do not affect potential range expansion of three invasive plants in response to climate change

The ranges of species, including invasives, are expected to shift poleward in response to climate change. As their distributions expand, invasive species will encounter different communities and the resulting biotic interactions could affect invasive species range expansion dynamics. Here, we assess whether biotic interactions with natural enemies have the potential to affect range expansion dynamics of three invasive woody plants (Berberis thunbergii, Celastrus orbiculatus and Elaeagnus umbellata). To do so, we planted them in two sites in a region where they are currently abundant and in three sites in a northern region near their range edge where they are expected to become more common due to climate change. Two of the species have not yet been observed within any of the northern sites and one species is present within one of the northern sites. All species experienced more foliar herbivory in the higher latitude (northern) region and the two species that are currently absent from the northern sites experienced less foliar disease there. However, the regional differences in biotic interactions had very minor effects on survival; the only statistically significant reduction in survival was from foliar disease for B. thunbergii, and even that had only a marginal effect on survival. This suggests that, at least for these invasive species in this area, interactions with existing natural assemblages of natural enemies will have only an exceedingly minor effect on populations establishing near range edges.
Psychodynamic therapy for depression in women with infants and young children.

Background: It has long been known that the rate of depression is high among women with infants and young children. In recent research a psychodynamic therapy group was found to be beneficial for a...
Photovoltaic Device with over 5% Efficiency Based on an n‐Type Ag 2 ZnSnSe 4 Absorber

The kesterite material Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) is an attractive earth-abundant semiconductor for photovoltaics. However, the power conversion efficiency is limited by a large density of I–II antisite defects, which cause severe band tailing and open-circuit voltage loss. Ag2ZnSnSe4 (AZTSe) is a promising alternative to CZTSSe with a substantially lower I–II antisite defect density and smaller band tailing. AZTSe is weakly n-type, and this study reports for the first time on how the carrier density is impacted by stoichiometry. This study presents the first-ever photovoltaic device based on AZTSe, which exhibits an efficiency of 5.2%, which is the highest value reported for an n-type thin-film absorber. Due to the weakly n-type nature of the absorber, a new architecture is employed (SnO:F/AZTSe/MoO3/ITO) to replace conventional contacts and buffer materials. Using this platform, it is shown that the band tailing parameter in AZTSe more closely resembles that of CIGSe than CZTSSe, underscoring the strong promise of this absorber. In demonstrating the ability to collect photogenerated carriers from AZTSe, this study paves the way for novel thin-film heterojunction architectures where light absorption in the n-type device layer can supplement absorption in the p-type layer as opposed to producing a net optical loss.
The Incidence of Delinquency

The data presented in the previous chapter represent the prevalence of delinquency or the delinquency status dimension in the two birth cohorts. These data thus set the size of the delinquent subgroup and show the relationship of various demographic and school variables to delinquency status. These data, however, do not address at all the delinquent events in the two cohorts. Regardless of the number of cohort subjects, and their correlates, that occupy the various statuses of delinquency, we must investigate how many times these offenders exhibited the delinquency trait. Incidence data supply this necessary information.
Steps Towards Autonomous Sensor Based Robotic Systems in the Ocean

Abstract Currently, freely swimming robotsubmarines have an impoverished ability to sense and reason and they require environments which are strictly controlled. They are incapable of taking anything other than the simplest actions when confronted with problems. Fully autonomous underwater robotic-systems, endowed with algorithms that utilise both state and sensor information, able to build modifiable maps of their marine environment, and able to utilise these learned maps to operate efficiently while carrying out their preset goals and tasks in some optimal (or satisficing) manner, are ambitious goals. This document describes efforts currently underway to develop perceptual capabilities in one particular freely swimming robot-submarine
Rockboro Machine Tools Corporation

In mid-September 2015, Sara Larson, the chief financial officer of this large CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and manufacturing) equipment manufacturer must decide whether to pay out dividends to the firm's shareholders, or repurchase stock. If Larson chooses to pay out dividends, she must also decide on the magnitude of the payout. A subsidiary question is whether the firm should embark on a campaign of corporate-image advertising and change its corporate name to reflect its new outlook. The case serves as an omnibus review of the many practical aspects of the dividend and share buyback decisions, including (1) signaling effects, (2) clientele effects, and (3) finance and investment implications of increasing dividend payout and share repurchase decisions. This case can follow a treatment of the Miller–Modigliani dividend-irrelevance theorem and serves to highlight practical considerations in setting dividend policy. Excerpt UVA-F-1765 Rev. Mar. 28, 2017 Rockboro Machine Tools Corporation On September 15, 2015, Sara Larson, CFO of Rockboro Machine Tools Corporation (Rockboro), paced the floor of her Minnesota office. She needed to submit a recommendation to Rockboro's board of directors regarding the company's dividend policy, which had been the subject of an ongoing debate among the firm's senior managers. Larson knew that the board was optimistic about Rockboro's future, but there was a lingering uncertainty regarding the company's competitive position. Like many companies following the “great recession” of 2008 and 2009, Rockboro had succeeded in recovering revenues back to prerecession levels. Unlike most other companies, however, Rockboro had not been able to recover its profit margins, and without a much-improved cost structure, it would be difficult for Rockboro to compete with the rising presence of foreign competition that had surfaced primarily from Asia. The board's optimism was fueled by the signs that the two recent restructurings would likely return Rockboro to competitive profit margins and allow the company to compete for its share of the global computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) market. . . .
Vigilante or Viking? Contesting the mediated constructions of Soldiers of Odin Norge:

In 2015, Europe experienced the worst refugee crisis since the Second World War. Along with terrorist attacks in Europe over the last decade, the refugee crisis has fueled a rise in the popularity ...
Implementation of a "real world" School-Based Asthma Therapy program targeting urban children with poorly controlled asthma.

ABSTRACTObjective: Describe implementation and clinical impact of a “real world” School-Based Asthma Therapy (SBAT) Program serving an urban, largely Medicaid population in a large midwestern city ...
Directionality and gain of small acoustic velocity horns

Acoustic Velocity Horns (AVHs) are acoustically small funnels open to incident acoustic waves from mouth and throat (for single horns) or both mouths for double horns. Unlike traditional pressure horns terminated at the throat, AVHs yield appreciable amplification of the particle velocity across a wide frequency range starting from extremely low infrasound frequencies. Such horns can be utilized to enhance the performance of conventional vector and acoustic intensity sensors. The present paper includes derivation of directional properties and gains for acoustic velocity as well as pressure for horns of various configurations: single and symmetrical double-horns, and symmetrical horns with inserts of various profiles. The study reveals that the conical double-horns provide the highest velocity gain as compared to horns with an exponential profile or with inserts. The maximum gain cannot exceed a horn's mouth-to-throat radii ratio. In addition to the velocity gain, AVHs offer dipole directionality for the particle velocity and omnidirectional response with no gain for acoustic pressure. These findings were experimentally validated using a water-submerged conical double-horn.
Numerical simulation and performance optimization of perovskite solar cell

The organic-metal halide perovskite is emerging technology in photo voltaic solar cells. For any solar cell to get the significant efficiency depends on various design parameters such as material thickness, device architecture, doping concentration etc.. There are many solar cell simulation software which can be used to carry out simulation and thus optimization based on those parameters. Here for this research, we are using wxAMPS because it is freely available, simple, efficient and quite popular in solar cell research society. Keeping external parameters constant (one-sun, AM1.5G solar radiation, 1000 w/m2 irradiation), numerical simulation and analysis of a perovskite solar cell with configuration ETM/Perovskite/HTM was carried out. In the proposed configuration Zinc oxide (ZnO) was used as Electron Transport Material (ETM) as, mixed halide perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3-xClx) was used as absorber material, and Copper thiocyanate (CuSCN) was used as Hole transport material (HTM). The performance of the solar cell was optimized using layer by layer optimization techniques. The results show a significant enhancement in conversion efficiency of 14.4% (Jsc = 15.44 mA/cm2, Voc = 1.08 V, and FF = 0.85). The solar cell need further optimization which is under progress. However these simulation results can help researchers to reasonably choose materials and optimally design high-performance perovskite solar cells.
Different inhibitors for the same target in metastatic luminal breast cancer: is there any difference?

Aim To determine which of the CDK4/6 inhibitors is the optimal treatment in metastatic luminal breast cancer. Materials & methods A network meta-analysis using the frequentist approach and generalized pairwise modeling was computed. Results The associations of aromatase inhibitor with ribociclib, palbociclib and abemaciclib were similar in efficacy. Palbociclib-based regimen was associated with significantly lower treatment discontinuation rates compared with the other approved drugs in this indication. Conclusion In the absence of direct comparative evidence, the results of this network meta-analysis represent the best available evidence for decision making in the first-line treatment of metastatic luminal breast cancer.
Metabolic Balance Studies in Premature Infants

Over the past decades metabolic balance studies have been extensively used for the purpose of determining the retention rates of nutrients ingested by neonates. Traditionally, data derived from these studies have been used to estimate nutritional requirements in both full-term and premature infants. This article provides a historical review of the methodology used in classic metabolic balance studies performed in neonates since 1955. In addition, descriptions of new methodologies that improve the reliability and reproducibility of metabolic balance studies conducted in premature infants that include: (1) the recognition that an acclimation period of steady and sufficient energy intake is necessary prior to the initiation of the balance study; (2) the use of a minimum period of 72 hours for the total duration of balance study; and (3) the use of stool markers to time the period. Also described in this article are the retention rates of calcium and fat that were measured in premature infants by means of metabolic balance studies conducted with the use of recommended methodology.
Brief Report: Development and Validation of the Autism Spectrum Knowledge Scale General Population Version: Preliminary Analyses.

Despite the dramatic rise in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) prevalence, limited information is known about ASD knowledge of the general population. The Autism Spectrum Knowledge Scale, General Population version (ASKSG) was collaboratively constructed to create a measure of ASD knowledge specifically for the general population. The ASKSG is a 31-item measure that assesses one’s knowledge and understanding of ASD. Adults in the general population participated in the current study (N = 318). Findings indicate that the ASKSG is a valid and reliable measure and can adequately measure ASD knowledge in this population. A greater understanding of general population knowledge pertaining to ASD can be used to better inform identification, intervention, and advocacy, thus improving the outcomes for individuals with ASD.
Using a summer camp to attract computer science majors

Many different approaches have been tried in an effort to increase enrollment in computer science (CS) programs. This paper describes one approach taken at Texas A&M University -- Corpus Christi during the summer of 2008. A week-long camp, funded by the State of Texas, was held for 32 incoming college freshmen. The camp provided five and a half days of intensive sessions that introduced participants to critical thinking, computer science, and engineering technology. While long-term results will take several years to emerge, initial responses by the students have been encouraging.
Neurocircuitry of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders have the highest lifetime prevalence rates (33.7%) and the youngest age of onset (median age, 11 years old) than any other mental illness in the United States. Further epidemiological research suggests that anxiety disorders often precede onset of other psychiatric conditions and worsen prognosis compared to individuals without anxiety. Current neuropsychiatric research exploring the biological underpinnings of anxiety and stress disorders such as generalized anxiety disorders (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), specific phobia, panic disorder (PD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be able to identify which structures can be targeted in treatment and interventions for said disorders.
Multiple Imputation with Denoising Autoencoder using Metamorphic Truth and Imputation Feedback

Although data may be abundant, complete data is less so, due to missing columns or rows. This missingness undermines the performance of downstream data products that either omit incomplete cases or create derived completed data for subsequent processing. Appropriately managing missing data is required in order to fully exploit and correctly use data. We propose a Multiple Imputation model using Denoising Autoencoders to learn the internal representation of data. Furthermore, we use the novel mechanisms of Metamorphic Truth and Imputation Feedback to maintain statistical integrity of attributes and eliminate bias in the learning process. Our approach explores the effects of imputation on various missingness mechanisms and patterns of missing data, outperforming other methods in many standard test cases.