cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ELECTRON ORBITS IN THE MICROWAVE INVERSE FEL ACCELERATOR (MIFELA)

The MIFELA is a new device based on stimulated absorption of microwaves by electrons moving along an undulator. An intense microwave field is used (as = eEsksmc2 = 0.2 as well as a large undulator field (awγ = eBwγkwmc2 = 12) to accelerate electrons emitted at 6 MeV from a rf gun to 15 MeV in 1.5 m. The spiral radius of the electrons in the undulator is 7 mm, in a waveguide of diameter 28 mm, with the undulator period about 10 cm. There is a small guiding field, and the electrons move in type I orbits. We describe three problems connected with the orbital motion of electrons in this structure: (i) injecting the electrons in an increasing undulator field prior to entering the MIFELA; (ii) orbital motion and stability inside the MIFELA; (iii) extraction of electrons from the spiral orbit in the accelerator into an axially-propagating beam, obtaining βw < 0.02 at 15 MeV. These studies have application to a MIFELA which is under construction at Yale University by Omega-P, Inc.
Physical Design Automation Challenges for 3D ICs

Recent advances in process technology have brought forth several options that have brought three-dimensional (3D) circuits within the realm of the possible and probable. This new design paradigm will require a major change in design methodologies, and an optimal 3D design will look very different from an optimal 2D design. Since the move from conventional 2D to 3D is inherently a topological change, it stands to reason that a number of 3D-specific problems lie in the domain of physical design. This paper addresses challenges related to physical design for 3D integrated circuits.
Evaluation of mutagenicity and other adverse effects of occupational exposure to sodium azide

Abstract The ubiquitous use of sodium azide has resulted in widespread occupational exposure to it in both laboratory and industrial settings, despite a lack of knowledge of the risks which may be involved. Explosive, toxic, and mutagenic hazards have been shown at even low-dose exposures. These effects occur in many species, from cellular damage through pathology of whole systems, and human fatalities have been reported. The advantages to its availability for applicable uses precludes reaching a “no exposure” level, but efforts to decrease unnecessary exposure can reduce its risk; therefore a quantitative procedure for determining human exposure is necessary. However, for various reasons present methods for this type of evaluation of azide are unsatisfactory, and minimizing hazard is dependent upon good laboratory hygiene and motivated personnel. The increasing use of azide and proportionally increasing occupational and accidental exposure in the future warrants the undertaking of chronic exposure studies, which hopefully will result in more explicit guidelines for human protection.
Seeing and imagining in the cerebral hemispheres: a computational approach.

Visual recognition, navigation, tracking, and imagery are posited to share certain high-level processing subsystems. In the first part of this article, a theory of some of these subsystems is formulated. This theory is developed in light of an analysis of problems that must be solved by the visual system and the constraints on the solutions to these problems; computational, neurological, and behavioral constraints are considered. In the second part, inferences about perceptual subsystems are used to develop a theory of how mental images are generated. Support for this theory is adduced from studies of split-brain patients and a review of relevant neuropsychological findings. In the third part, a computational mechanism is developed to account for how visual function becomes lateralized in the brain; this mechanism is used to predict how the hypothesized processing subsystems become lateralized. In the fourth part, some critical tests of the theory of lateralization of perceptual processing subsystems are reported, and in the fifth part the theory is extended to account for the lateralization of image-transformation subsystems. In the sixth part, the theory is used to account for the almost ubiquitous variability (both between subjects and within subjects) evident in the neuropsychological literature on lateralization. Finally, in the concluding part of the article, the computational-neuropsychological approach is discussed and evaluated.
Protein characterization of lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis and L. lactis ssp. cremoris bacteriophages isolated from cheese wheys

Proteins of Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis and L. lactis ssp. cremoris bacteriophages were studied using antibody inhibition assay and immunoblotting. Antisera were prepared against four representative L. lactis ssp. lactis and L. lactis ssp. cremoris phages (D59-1, F4-1, G72-1, and I37-1), which were selected from 17 isolates, derived from commercial cheese wheys. The reactivities of the four antisera with 13 other phage isolates were tested. Among these isolates, two phage groups having distinct serological properties were found. Group I reacted with the antisera against phages D59-1/F4-1 and Group II reacted with the antisera against phages G72-1/I37-1. Strongly lytic phages, capable of lysing phage-resistant host strains, were found to share protein similarities with the phage protein group I, and phages isolated from phage-sensitive host strains belonged to the phage protein group II. Furthermore, group I was composed of all prolate and some isometric phages, whereas group II was composed solely of the isometric phages. Thus, the two serologically distinct phage groups were not correlated with the two morphological groups, prolate and isometric. Proteins of the four phages were further characterized by immunoblotting and silver staining. A 22.5-kDa antigenic polypeptide of phage I37-1, and three polypeptides of 65, 37, 21 kDa in phage F4-1 were responsible for the cross-reactivities in group II and group I, respectively.
Folate, Cognition, and Depression in the Era of Folic Acid Fortification

: It has long been recognized that folate deficiency is associated with impaired cognitive function, particularly in older adults. Moreover, folate deficiency contributes to the symptoms of clinical depression and negatively influences the efficacy of antidepressant medications. The pathophysiological mechanisms by which folate deficiency influences cognition and depressive mood are not clearly understood, but may be mediated by decreased intracellular concentration of the methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine in the brain and increased concentration of the putative vascular toxin homocysteine in the blood (hyperhomocysteinemia). Folic acid fortification of flour in the United States, intended to reduce the risk of neural tube defects, has been in effect since January 1, 1998. The program has proven to be highly successful having lowered the prevalence of folate deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia, as well as the incidence of neural tube defects. An important question is whether associations between folate status, cognition, and depression remain significant. In this presentation, the evidence supporting the relationships between folate status, cognition, and depression will be summarized. In addition, epidemiological data will be presented from the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging (SALSA), a community-based cohort study of physical and cognitive function in Latino Americans age 60 years and older, that indicate folate status remains a significant determinant of cognitive function and depressive mood despite the success of folic acid fortification.
Maturation of ovarian frog eggs without ovulation

The dissociation of the processes of ovulation and maturation of full grown Rana pipiens ovarian oocytes has been demonstrated by the in vitro exposure of ovarian fragments to amphibian pituitaries or to the mammalian steroids, progesterone, and deoxycorticosterone acetate. With optimal concentrations of these substances, and under controlled conditions, all of the full grown oocytes can be stimulated to undergo germinal vesicle breakdown and maturation to the second meiotic metaphase while still in the ovarian fragment. Such oocytes are physiologically mature as shown by their positive response to an activation stimulus. That ovulation and maturation are not interdependent processes is further demonstrated by the liberation from the ovary of occasional oocytes which do not possess any follicular investments, but do possess an intact germinal vesicle. Such oocytes do not respond to an activation stimulus. The responses of ovaries to the action of pituitary extracts and steroid suspensions indicate that steroids are more efficient inducers of oocyte maturation while pituitary factors are better inducers of ovulation. These data, discussed with other findings, suggest the possible roles played by pituitary gonadotropins and steroid hormones in ovulation and physiological maturation of the anuran egg.
Contextual School Counseling Approach: Linking Contextual Psychotherapy With the School Environment

This article, and the one that follows (Slaten & Baskin, Contextual School Counseling: A framework for training with implications for curriculum, supervision, practice, and future research), describe an approach to school counseling and an integrated new training framework, titled “Contextual School Counseling” (CSC). CSC is an approach where the contextual perspective of psychotherapy is understood, relied upon, and applied to activities by a counselor within the school environment. The use of CSC will help school counselors to focus on vulnerable and diverse populations. Furthermore, it will add cohesion to an ever-evolving profession whose members are currently trained in core counseling skills but would likely further benefit from an approach and training model with clearer links to the pre-K-12 context.
Storage protein accumulation in the absence of the vacuolar processing enzyme family of cysteine proteases.

The role(s) of specific proteases in seed protein processing is only vaguely understood; indeed, the overall role of processing in stable protein deposition has been the subject of more speculation than direct investigation. Seed-type members of the vacuolar processing enzyme (VPE) family were hypothesized to perform a unique function in seed protein processing, but we demonstrated previously that Asn-specific protein processing in developing Arabidopsis seeds occurs independently of this VPE activity. Here, we describe the unexpected expression of vegetative-type VPEs in developing seeds and test the role(s) of all VPEs in seed storage protein accumulation by systematically stacking knockout mutant alleles of all four members (αVPE, βVPE, γVPE, and δVPE) of the VPE gene family in Arabidopsis. The complete removal of VPE function in the αvpe βvpe γvpe δvpe quadruple mutant resulted in a total shift of storage protein accumulation from wild-type processed polypeptides to a finite number of prominent alternatively processed polypeptides cleaved at sites other than the conserved Asn residues targeted by VPE. Although alternatively proteolyzed legumin-type globulin polypeptides largely accumulated as intrasubunit disulfide-linked polypeptides with apparent molecular masses similar to those of VPE-processed legumin polypeptides, they showed markedly altered solubility and protein assembly characteristics. Instead of forming 11S hexamers, alternatively processed legumin polypeptides were deposited primarily as 9S complexes. However, despite the impact on seed protein processing, plants devoid of all known functional VPE genes appeared unchanged with regard to protein content in mature seeds, relative mobilization rates of protein reserves during germination, and vegetative growth. These findings indicate that VPE-mediated Asn-specific proteolytic processing, and the physiochemical property changes attributed to this specific processing step, are not required for the successful deposition and mobilization of seed storage protein in the protein storage vacuoles of Arabidopsis seeds.
Afraid to be free: Dependency as desideratum

Although collectivist ideas have everywhere fallen into disrepute, this essay argues that socialism nevertheless will survive and be extended in the new century. That gloomy prospect looms, not because socialism is more efficient or more just, but because ceding control over their actions to others allows individuals to escape, evade and even deny personal responsibilities. People are afraid to be free; the state stands in loco parentis. The breaching of plausibly acceptable fiscal limits in the first half of the new century will determine how the basic conflict between welfare dependency and liberal principles will be resolved.
LEUKOCYTE ADHESION DEFICIENCY TYPE II

Leukocyte adhesion deficiency type II (LAD II) is a rare disorder characterized by recurrent infections, persistent leukocytosis, and severe mental and growth retardation. LAD II neutrophils are deficient in expression of selectin ligand activity, and exhibit a correspondingly diminished ability to roll on endothelium and to traffic to inflammatory sites in vivo. LAD II patients exhibit a deficiency in the expression of cell surface fucosylated glycan structures that include the H and Lewis blood group determinants and the sialyl Lewis x epitope, yet the corresponding fucosyltransferase activities responsible for synthesis of these structures are expressed at normal levels. The molecular defect in LAD II has been localized to the pathway that synthesizes GDP-fucose from GDP-mannose. However, the two known component enzymes in this GDP-fucose biosynthetic pathway are normal in sequence and in expression levels in LAD II cells. The genetic lesion in LAD II that accounts for the generalized fucosylation defect in LAD II patients remains to be determined.
A 640–1030 MHz four-pole tunable filter with improved stopband rejection and controllable bandwidth and transmission zeros

A compact 4-pole tunable filter with improved stopband rejection is presented. Three combline resonators are employed, and the coupling between the adjacent and non-adjacent resonators are achieved by tuning varactors. It is shown that with the non-adjacent coupling path, two transmission zeroes at both sides of the passband (totally four) are present, and therefore the stopband rejection is significantly improved. This non-adjacent coupling also contributes one additional pole to the passband response. The positions of the transmission zeroes and passband bandwidth are controllable by changing the coupling values. A tunable filter at 640-1030 MHz is demonstrated with a controllable bandwidth of 8-12% and a wide stopband region. The application areas are in modern multi-standard communication systems.
Flash forums and forumReader: navigating a new kind of large-scale online discussion

We describe a popular kind of large, topic-centered, transient discussion, which we term a flash forum. These occur in settings ranging from web-based bulletin boards to corporate intranets, and they display a conversational style distinct from Usenet and other online discussion. Notably, authorship is more diffuse, and threads are less deep and distinct. To help orient users and guide them to areas of interest within flash forums, we designed ForumReader, a tool combining data visualization with automatic topic extraction. We describe lessons learned from deployment to thousands of users in a real world setting. We also report a laboratory experiment to investigate how interface components affect behavior, comprehension, and information retrieval. The ForumReader interface is well-liked by users, and our results suggest it can lead to new navigation patterns. We also find that, while both visualization and text analytics are helpful individually, combining them may be counterproductive.
Reliability of symmetric hypernets

The reliability of a new multiprocessor interconnection network (symmetric hypernet) is determined and compared with the reliability of existing hypercube and hypernet structures. The reliability model is based on the clustering approach where a hypercube/hypernet of a higher dimension is first decomposed into smaller cubes until the reliability of the smallest cube is modeled exactly by means of the spanning tree approach. Clusters of these cubes are combined recursively until the reliability of the network under consideration is determined. >
A MULTILEVEL FRAMEWORK FOR UNDERSTANDING POLICE CULTURE: THE ROLE OF THE WORKGROUP†

Relying on a well-established theoretical paradigm from organizational psychology, the aim of the current inquiry is to apply a multilevel approach to the study of police culture that identifies workgroups as important entities that influence officers’ occupational outlooks. More specifically, we propose that police culture be assessed in a way similar to concepts in criminology, such as collective efficacy and street culture, whereby the shared features of individuals’ environments are considered. Within this framework, we draw on survey data from five municipal police agencies to examine how strongly officers within 187 separate workgroups share culture, as well as the extent to which culture differs across these workgroups. Collectively, the findings suggest that the workgroup serves as a viable context that patterns culture in police organizations. As such, the study provides a way to move beyond conceptualizations of police culture as either a purely monolithic or an individual-level phenomenon.
Improving Permeability Semivariograms with Transition Probability Models of Hierarchical Sedimentary Architecture Derived from Outcrop-Analog Studies

Received 21 July 2004; revised 22 February 2005; accepted 23 March 2005; published 30 July 2005. [1] As analogs for aquifers, outcrops of sedimentary deposits allow sedimentary units to be mapped, permeability to be measured with high resolution, and sedimentary architecture to be related to the univariate and spatial bivariate statistics of permeability. Sedimentary deposits typically can be organized into hierarchies of unit types and associated permeability modes. The types of units and the number of hierarchical levels defined on an outcrop might vary depending upon the focus of the study. Regardless of how the outcrop sediments are subdivided, a composite bivariate statistic like the permeability semivariogram is a linear summation of the autosemivariograms and cross semivariograms for the unit types defined, weighted by the proportions and transition probabilities associated with the unit types. The composite sample semivariogram will not be representative unless data locations adequately define these transition probabilities. Data reflecting the stratal architecture can often be much more numerous than permeability measurements. These lithologic data can be used to better define transition probabilities and thus improve the estimates of the composite permeability semivariogram. In doing so, bias created from the incomplete exposure of units can be reduced by a Bayesian approach for estimating unit proportions and mean lengths. We illustrate this ^
Imrpoving QPSK Transmission in Band-Limited Channels with Interchannel Interference Through Equalization

This paper describes the use of equalization in conjunction with channel filtering to improve QPSK transmission subject to both intersymbol interference (ISI) and interchannel interference (ICI). Performance bounds are computed using the nonclassical Gaussquadrature rule (GQR) method. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gain due to linear equalization over nonequalization is thereby obtained and presented. The performance of a linear equalizer thus obtained is compared with the Viterbi algorithm sequence estimator (VASE). In the absence of bounds for the VASE receiver under the channel conditions considered, simulation results are used to make the comparison. With a possible difference in the accuracies of the performance thus obtained it is shown that the VASE provides improved performance over the linear equalizer under the channel conditions considered.
A note on semiparametric efficient inference for two-stage outcome-dependent sampling with a continuous outcome

Outcome-dependent sampling designs have been shown to be a cost effective way to enhance study efficiency. We show that the outcome-dependent sampling design with a continuous outcome can be viewed as an extension of the two-stage case-control designs to the continuous-outcome case. We further show that the two-stage outcome-dependent sampling has a natural link with the missing-data and biased-sampling framework. Through the use of semiparametric inference and missing-data techniques, we show that a certain semiparametric maximum likelihood estimator is computationally convenient and achieves the semiparametric efficient information bound. We demonstrate this both theoretically and through simulation.
Spin resonance of 2D electrons in a large-area silicon MOSFET

Abstract We report electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements on a large-area silicon MOSFET. An ESR signal at g-factor 1.9999(1), and with a linewidth of 0.6 G, is observed and found to arise from two-dimensional (2D) electrons at the Si/SiO2 interface. The signal and its intensity show a pronounced dependence on applied gate voltage. At gate voltages below the threshold of the MOSFET, the signal is from weakly confined, isolated electrons as evidenced by the Curie-like temperature dependence of its intensity. The situation above threshold appears more complicated. These large-area MOSFETs provide the capability to controllably tune from insulating to conducting regimes by adjusting the gate voltage while monitoring the state of the 2D electron spins spectroscopically.
Proportional Nested Deficit Round Robin: Improving the Latency of Packet Scheduler with an O(1) Complexity

In recent years, many fair packet scheduling algorithms have been proposed for switches and routers to provide the quality of service (QoS) guarantees required by many applications. In addition to the fairness and low end-to-end delay that these algorithms have to have, simplicity and scalability are two significant factors that play an important role. In this paper, we present a new scheduling discipline called proportional nested deficit round robin (PNDRR), which has a low latency and reduces burstiness. PNDRR is a class of nested-DRR in which each DRR round is split into some smaller inner rounds. However, unlike nested-DRR, flows receive credits proportional to their deficit counters in each inner round. PNDRR takes advantage of the input traffic pattern and decreases the serving size of flows when the input traffic contains many small packets. This helps to interleave packets in many practical scenarios, such as the Internet, where the majority of packets are relatively small. The latency and fairness of PNDRR are studied and compared to other algorithms using simulation. PNDRR has a per-packet computational complexity of O(1)
Comparison of sleep and mood in patients after on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.

Background Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgical procedures have been advocated to reduce the adverse effects of cardiopulmonary bypass on the brain. Objective To examine differences in objective and subjective characteristics of sleep and mood disturbance between patients after on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Methods In a secondary analysis of pooled data from 2 previous studies, sleep characteristics and mood disturbance on postoperative night 2 after transfer to the cardiac surgery step-down unit were compared in patients who had on-pump and off-pump cardiac surgery. The sample included 129 coronary artery bypass patients: 48 on-pump patients from one hospital and 81 off-pump patients from another hospital. Data were obtained with wrist actigraphs. Subjective characteristics of sleep were determined by using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and a sleep diary; mood disturbance was evaluated by using the short form of the Profile of Mood States. Results Off-pump surgery was associated with better objective sleep continuity (decreased percentage of wake time after sleep onset and fewer awakenings) but not longer sleep duration after controlling for age and sex. The 2 groups of patients did not differ overall in subjective sleep characteristics, mood disturbance, or preoperative sleep quality. Conclusion Use of off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery may improve sleep continuity during the early postoperative period. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the potential long-term benefits of this procedure during the different phases of recovery.
Immediately preovulatory levels of messenger ribonucleic acid for inhibin alpha-subunit are diminished in granulosa cells from successful in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

Inhibin, a gonadal glycoprotein which suppresses pituitary gonadotrophin secretion, preferentially follicle stimulating hormone, has been extensively characterized. It consists of two covalently bound subunits, the alpha- and beta-subunits, encoded by separate genes. In this study, the expression of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) for the inhibin alpha-subunit was studied by Northern blot analysis in granulosa cells of women undergoing in-vitro fertilization/embryo transfer (IVF/ET). Three patient groups were studied: women who failed to become pregnant (n = 11), women who became pregnant but experienced early spontaneous abortion (n = 3) and women who conceived normal ongoing pregnancies (n = 4). Granulosa cells were obtained at the time of follicle aspiration. Levels of alpha-subunit mRNA were 40% lower in patients establishing normal pregnancies than in those who failed to become pregnant or who spontaneously aborted. Thus, a relative diminution of immediately preovulatory levels of mRNA for inhibin alpha-subunit is a marker of success in clinical IVF/ET cycles. This marker of IVF/ET success can be related to previously established markers of success (increased follicular fluid oestradiol and decreased follicular fluid cyclic adenosine monophosphate) by known physiological mechanisms.
Cannabis and adolescents: Exploring the substance misuse treatment provider experience in a climate of legalization

Abstract Background Understanding consumer attitudes toward drugs is vital for the design and implementation of effective substance misuse prevention and treatment programs. Research that enhances our understanding of these perceptions is of the utmost importance in the climate of cannabis legalization. While there is a body of literature focused on the perceptions of drug use among adolescents, less attention has been paid to the experiences of health care professionals who serve this vulnerable population. Research aimed at better understanding the experiences of professionals may improve cannabis misuse prevention efforts and inform policy decisions as cannabis moves closer to legalization nationwide. Methods The present study applied a grounded theory qualitative methodology to interview 11 adolescent substance misuse treatment providers. Each participant had at least two years of clinical practice in Colorado before January 1, 2014, when cannabis became available for recreational sale. Findings Extensive analysis of data obtained from participant interviews, yielded seven core concepts related to cannabis use and decriminalization: normalizing , increasing access , rising addiction potential , link to opioids and other drugs , complicating substance treatment , diversity issues , and responding to change . According to participants, legalization has contributed to the continuing normalization of cannabis, validation of its consumption, and greater access to a host of new and more potent THC products by adolescents. Providers attributed these attitudinal changes to heavier use of both cannabis and other drugs and increased resistance to treatment efforts and interventions. Conclusions These results support the need to expand access to a wider range of substance misuse treatment options for adolescents and to further our understanding of the impact on this population of the cannabis laws.
Piezoelectric property enhancement in polycrystalline lead zirconate titanate by changing cutting angle

The effective piezoelectric strain constant d 33 and electromechanical coupling factor k 33 of polycrystalline lead zirconate titanate (PZT) at different cutting angles have been measured by using the IEEE standard resonance method. It was found that for tetragonal PZT 48/52, the effective d 33 and k 33 monotonously decreases as the cutting angle canted from the poling direction increases. However, for rhombohedral PZT 54/46, the effective d 33 has the maximum value along a direction which is canted about 45° away from the poling direction, while the effective electromechanical coupling factor is not sensitive to the cutting direction and remains almost constant in the cutting angle range from 0° to 45°.
Focus on Diagnosis: Spirometry

1. Kamakshya P. Patra, MD 1. Department of Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. * Abbreviations: FEF25%–75%: : forced expiratory flow, midexpiratory phase FEV1: : forced expiratory volume fraction in 1 second FVC: : forced vital capacity PEFR: : peak expiratory flow rate Office spirometry, traditionally done by the pulmonary specialist, has become commonplace in the pediatric primary care office. The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program guidelines recommend routine use of spirometry for the initial diagnosis and ongoing management of asthma. A nationwide survey demonstrated that only 21% of physicians used spirometry for the management of children with asthma, as per the guidelines. And, approximately one half of the physicians were unable to interpret the results of spirometry. Office spirometry has been shown to result in change in asthma management in 15% of children. In 45% of cases, the severity of asthma was underrated by the providers in the absence of spirometry. A peak flow meter, which measures peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), is a simple, inexpensive, and portable device that may be helpful in the management of asthma. However, PEFR is effort-dependent and does not reflect small airway function. The average cost of a good spirometer is in the $1,500 to $2,000 range. There must be training of the office personnel who perform the spirometry, and the spirometer should be calibrated at least daily. In general, patients must be at least age 4 to 4.5 years to perform reliable forced vital capacity (FVC) maneuvers required for spirometry. A 7-year-old girl has experienced wheezing since age 3 years and has been diagnosed as having asthma. Her symptoms did not improve despite therapy with albuterol, corticosteroids, salmeterol, and monteleukast. She was referred to the pediatric pulmonology clinic for persistent symptomatology. Spirometry was performed, which revealed a fixed obstruction. Flow volume loops revealed truncation of inspiratory and expiratory limbs (Fig 1). Computed tomography scan of the …
Influence of Process Parameters on Synthesis of Si_3N_4 Powders from Iron Ore Tailings

Si3N4 powders are synthesized by carbothermal reduction-nitridation method from iron ore tailings and carbon black.Phase composition of reaction products is determined by X-ray diffraction.The influence of synthesis temperature and holding time on synthesis is studied.The results show that synthesis temperature affects the formation of Si3N4 significantly.Content of Si3N4 in the products increases with the increase of synthesis temperature and reaches the maximum at 1450℃,which is assumed to be the best synthesis temperature.Holding time affects the reaction insignificantly,but with holding time extending,carbonthermal reduction-nitridation reaction proceeds more sufficiently.Content of Si3N4 in the samples reaches the maximum at 8h as the perfect holding time.Volatilization of SiO results in great mass loss of the samples and increases with holding time extending.
Blood kinetics and in vivo chemotaxis of transfused neutrophils: effect of colllection method, donor corticosteroid treatment, and short-term storage.

To evaluate effect of collection technique and short-term storage on in vivo cell function, neutrophils were collected from 53 normal subjects by phlebotomy (PB), intermittent flow centrifugation (IFC), or filtration leukopheresis (FL), stored 0 or 1 day, labeled with 32P- diisopropylfluorophosphate, reinfused into the donor, and blood kinetics and/or skin chamber accumulation of labeled cells measured. The blood kinetics of unstored PB and IFC cells were similar; the kinetics of unstored FL cells were markedly abnormal. The percent of infused neutrophils localizing to the skin chamber was 0.1, 0.06, and 0.006 for unstored PB, IFC, and FL cells, respectively. One-day storage substantially decreased chamber accumulation of infused neutrophils. Donor steroid pretreatment had no effect on chamber results. Thus, in vivo chemotactic ability of IFC neutrophils is slightly impaired, whereas that of FL cells is severely impaired. One-day storage of either cell concentrate causes further cell damage.
Why Anti-Corruption Initiatives Fail: Technology Transfer and Contextual Collision

This chapter examines an archetype of anti-corruption reforms — new technology-based ‘e-transparency’ initiatives in developing countries — analysing them as ‘technology transfers’ in the broadest sense of ideas conceived in one context and implemented in another. A model is presented of how transfers are mediated in practice between the two con-texts, which can be applied more broadly to all types of anti-corruption intervention. The chapter examines how a system of tools, processes, values, and resources designed in one context can carry with it inscribed assumptions — values drawn from designers’ backgrounds; assumptions about the skills, values, and resources of the user context; requirements needed for the proper implementation of the initiative — which may undermine its suitability, or which contain elements that may be appropriated by local users.
Use of Nunchuk Nanostructures for Dynamic dsDNA Bend Angle Measurements by Fluorescence Microscopy

DNA bending is an important factor in the way DNA-binding proteins recognize binding sites and orchestrate transcription or compaction. Current methods for measuring DNA bending (e.g., FRET, X-ray crystallography, cryo-TEM) require specialized training and equipment and offer little or no information on bend stiffness or fluctuations. We introduce a DNA nanostructure tool that makes single-molecule, dynamic measurements of DNA bending accessible to anyone with a research-grade fluorescence videomicroscope. Our tool, nicknamed the “DNA nunchuk”, consists of a double stranded DNA linker (∼50bp) flanked on either end by DNA nanotubes that are >3um long. We report on calibration of the DNA nunchuk technique using a variety of dsDNA linker sequences including phased poly-A tracts.
Working With the Panthers to Transform Health Care for Poor Black Communities.

An introduction is presented in which the author discusses an excerpt from the book "Everybody In, Nobody Out: Memoirs of a Rebel Without a Pause" by Quentin Young, MD which appears in the journal and addresses the Black Panther Party's establishment of a medical care center in the 20th century.
Checks, Balances, and Nuclear Waste

Systems of political checks and balances, so prominently featured in the U.S. Constitution, are also commonly installed in statutory and regulatory regimes. Although such systems diffuse political authority and may facilitate participation and accountability, they come with a price. If exercised, political checks — even those that appear trivial — can obstruct statutory processes and saddle a policy system with an unintended default policy outcome. Policies that are neither debated nor chosen, but that emerge as unbidden defaults, exhibit the very democratic deficits that checks and balances are intended to remedy.This is precisely the situation of nuclear waste policy in the United States. The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 established a process for siting and constructing repositories for nuclear waste. When Nevada’s Yucca Mountain emerged as a likely repository site, that state’s officials and allies exercised the numerous political and legal checks afforded by the Act and appear, at least for the time being, to have defeated the selection. But Nevada’s victory may well be the nation’s loss. In the absence of a national waste repository, nuclear power plant operators have no choice but to store spent nuclear fuel on site, where it presents a number of risks not contemplated by the 1982 legislation. This outcome was not chosen or anticipated by legislators, plant operators, state and local siting authorities, or host communities.This Article argues that lawmakers must take more realistic stock of their own institutional behaviors. Although certain corrosive incentives are intractably embedded in our constitutional system, lawmakers can and should write statutes with full awareness of the risks of relying on statutory checks and balances. In particular, legislators should assess carefully the default policy that will dictate outcomes when statutory processes fail.
Alternatives to Financing Stimulus Programs with Domestic Borrowing

This chapter notes that while theoretically, increasing the money supply (“accommodating monetary policy”) should prevent crowd out effects, this study did not find that changing the M1 money supply alleviated crowd out. The chapter offers the hypothesis (untested) it may be because the Federal Reserve’s principal method of increasing the M1 money supply mechanically funnels the money principally to investors selling securities so as to be able to buy other securities (which generally does not affect the GDP), not to the general population, who would be more likely to use it to buy real goods and services, stimulating the GDP.
CTCF-mediated topological boundaries during development foster appropriate gene regulation

The genome is organized into repeating topologically associated domains (TADs), each of which is spatially isolated from its neighbor by poorly understood boundary elements thought to be conserved across cell types. Here, we show that deletion of CTCF (CCCTC-binding factor)-binding sites at TAD and sub-TAD topological boundaries that form within the HoxA and HoxC clusters during differentiation not only disturbs local chromatin domain organization and regulatory interactions but also results in homeotic transformations typical of Hox gene misregulation. Moreover, our data suggest that CTCF-dependent boundary function can be modulated by competing forces, such as the self-assembly of polycomb domains within the nucleus. Therefore, CTCF boundaries are not merely static structural components of the genome but instead are locally dynamic regulatory structures that control gene expression during development.
Estimating Computational Models of Dynamic Decision Making from Transactional Data

The goal of this work is to estimate and validate computational models of dynamic decision making against data on sequences of actual decisions made in naturalistic settings. While this paradigm has its roots in laboratory studies under controlled conditions, increasing instrumentation of operational environments is enabling parallel investigations in field settings. Here, decision processes associated with the dispatch of debris removal personnel and equipment are investigated using data from a series of tornado storms in the State of Alabama in 2011. A multi-faceted approach to model validation is presented, thereby illustrating how objective, operational data may be used to inform models of complete decision making processes.
The HeLa Bomb and the Science of Unveiling

This essay reads the narratives of HeLa cell contamination as accusations of racial and gender passing. It argues that the passing narrative is much more complex, rarely confined to an individual’s autonomous will, and far more entrenched in state building and concepts of social progress than previously considered. I urge us to move away from the desire of the passing subject, and back to our own to ask after the sort of anxiety, excitement, and panic that animate our attempts to see, classify, and regulate bodies. Thus, what becomes significant is an examination of an “ethics of knowing” within science. The paper draws on a collection of correspondence, lab notes, published articles, and newspaper clippings related to Henrietta Lacks and HeLa from the George O. Gey Collection at the Medical Archives of the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions (1918-1974) and articles on HeLa published in scientific journals, science journalism, and cultural studies articles (1950-present). In doing so, it traces the narratives of science (and its complex of industries—journalism and cultural studies) and HeLa’s passing. Tracing the reactions to HeLa contamination, the paper asks after the ways national, racial, and sexual desire, fantasy, anxiety, and paranoia have animated the cells through time. Particularly it examines the agency of HeLa, a cell line that is passed through race and genders and ideas of mortality, as it makes clear its own vital, creative, and destructive forces.
Outcome-Based Education Model for Computer Science Education

A well-designed and constructed course plan or curriculum is an integral part of the foundation of effective STEM instruction. This paper presents a framework for outcome-based course design that can be translated into a semantic web-based toolwhich guides STEM educators through the complex task of curriculum design, ensures tight alignment between various components of a course (i.e., learning objectives, content, assessments, and pedagogy), and provides relevant information about research-based pedagogical and assessment strategies. This framework has been applied to the design of "Object-OrientedSoftware Development" course and the results are presented.
Preparation of Fast Dissolving Tablet by Some Traditionally Used Medicinal Plants & Its Anti-arthritic Evaluation in FCA Induced Arthritis

Aim- The aim of the study was to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of fast dissolving tablet prepared by methanolic extract of some traditionally used medicinal plants for arthritis. Material & Methods- Fast dissolving tablet of methanolic extract of selected medicinal plants were prepared by using Crospovidone & β-cyclodextrin by kneading methods. F1 formulation was evaluated in FCA induced arthritis and various lysosomal enzymes i.e. Cathepsin-D, β-glucuronidase and β -N-acetyl glucosaminidase were estimated. Results- Treatment by F1 formulation showed a significant decrease in all lysosomal enzymes as compared to arthritic control. Prednisolone also showed highly significant effect on lysosomal enzymes when compared to arthritic control. Conclusion- The prepared herbal fast dissolving tablets shows good disintegration property and dissolution rate. From the results of the study, we may conclude that F1 formulation might be act on membrane stabilization and membrane stability modulating effect is an important mechanism of anti-arthritic activity.
Prenatal buprenorphine exposure and neonatal neurobehavioral functioning.

Abstract Aims Assessments of effects of prenatal opioid exposure on the neonate have consisted principally of evaluations of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) to determine the need for pharmacotherapy. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the effects of gestational maternal buprenorphine maintenance on newborn neurobehavioral functioning. Study design Maternal substance use history and psychosocial demographics that can contribute to the neurobehavioral functioning of the infant were explored. Infants were assessed using the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) to measure their neurologic and behavioral functioning and signs of stress/abstinence on days 3, 14 and 30 of life. Subjects Participants were 41 pregnant buprenorphine-maintained women and their infants. Results Maternal buprenorphine dose at delivery was negatively correlated with infant quality of movement and self-regulation, and positively correlated with the central nervous system parameters of stress/abstinence at day 3 of life. As maternal buprenorphine dose increased, the mean morphine dose that the infant required for NAS treatment significantly increased. No differences were found when comparing the NNNS domain scores between infants who required pharmacotherapy for NAS versus those who did not at day 3 of life. Conclusions Buprenorphine exposure during pregnancy can alter neonatal neurobehavioral and physiological responses to stimuli. A systematic evaluation of the newborn's functional domains above NAS assessment alone is crucial to address the challenges created by neurobehavioral dysregulation associated with substance exposure, improve caregiver/infant interaction and developmental trajectory. Comprehensive pre/postnatal treatment of buprenorphine-maintained mothers can lead to healthier outcomes for the dyad.
Formation of carbonaceous deposits on Pd-based hydrodechlorination catalysts: Vibrational spectroscopy investigations over Pd/Al2O3 and Pd/SOMS

Abstract The widespread utilization and commercialization of hydrodechlorination (HDC) over Pd-based catalysts as a remediation technique has been impeded because of catalyst deactivation problems such as formation of carbonaceous deposits under the reductive environment of HDC. In this study, we investigated the use of a novel animated material, swellable organically-modified silica (SOMS), as a catalyst scaffold for HDC of trichloroethylene (TCE) to develop a catalytic system resistant to carbon formation. The state of aggregation of adsorbed TCE on Pd/SOMS was characterized. It was found that the unique nature of SOMS scaffold caused condensation of adsorbents in the SOMS matrix. This is of particular importance considering the fact that the increase of local concentration of reactants due to condensation may enhance the kinetics of catalytic reactions. To determine the resistance to the formation of carbonaceous materials under reaction conditions, in-situ vibrational spectroscopy experiments (diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and laser Raman spectroscopy) were undertaken over Pd-incorporated SOMS in the absence and presence of water vapor in the reactant stream. The commonly used HDC catalyst Pd/Al2O3 was also studied for comparison purposes. Formation of carbonaceous deposits of different nature were observed over Pd/Al2O3 whereas no detectable carbon formation was observed over Pd/SOMS. It was confirmed that surface hydroxyl groups which are in basic character act as coking agents. The carbon formation resistant behavior of Pd/SOMS is closely related to the nature and low concentration of surface hydroxyl groups.
Pricing American Options

Whereas a European option can be exercised only at a fixed date, an American option can be exercised any time up to its expiration. The value of an American option is the value achieved by exercising optimally. Finding this value entails finding the optimal exercise rule — by solving an optimal stopping problem — and computing the expected discounted payoff of the option under this rule. The embedded optimization problem makes this a difficult problem for simulation.