cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-12 therapy restores cell-mediated immunity in ethanol-consuming mice

Previous studies from our laboratory show that ethanol consumption impairs antigen-specific, cell-mediated, but not, humoral immune responses of C57BL/6, BALB/c, and DO11.10 T-cell receptor transgenic mice. This ethanol-associated deficit is associated with decreased interleukin (IL)-12 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production, but not IL-2 or antigen-specific T-cell proliferation by explanted leukocytes from ethanol-consuming mice. IL-12 expression by macrophage/monocytes is viewed as a requirement for the production of IFN-γ by Th1 lymphocytes that mediate cellular immunity. In this study, we restored antigen-specific, cell-mediated immunity, delayed hypersensitivity, to ethanol-consuming C57BL/6 or BALB/c mice with a single 100 ng of intravenous injection of recombinant IL-12 at the time of immunization. The addition of exogenous recombinant IL-12 to co-cultures of antigen-presenting cells derived from ethanol-consuming mice and purified T cells derived from ethanolnonconsuming DO11.10 repairs the ability of Th1 cells to make IFN-γ in response to antigen. Administration of recombinant IL-12 opens a potential for restoring cell-mediated immune function to ethanol-consuming individuals.
An Empirical Investigation of the Standard Error of Measurement at Different Ability Levels

Methods of estimating the standard error at different ability levels were compared. Overall, it was found that at a given ability level the standard errors calculated using different formulas are not appreciably different. Further, for most situations the traditional method of calculating a standard error probably provides sufficient precision.
Stoichiometric control via periods of open-circuit during electrodeposition

Electrodeposition can enable stoichiometric control of deposited samples through variation of electroplating potential. We demonstrate an in-situ technique for deposit analysis and stoichiometric control by interspersing periods of open-circuit during deposition. Opening the circuit in an organic Cu-In-S plating bath allows greater incorporation of Cu, In, and/or S into deposited films, based upon the open-circuit voltage the film/electrolyte interface is allowed to achieve. With the same deposition potential, samples can be made to vary from highly Cu-rich to highly In-rich through selection of an appropriate open-circuit voltage limit.
Associations between Perceived Family Meal Environment and Parent Intake of Fruit, Vegetables, and Fat

Abstract Objective To describe the family mealtime environment and assess associations with adult fruit, vegetable, and fat intake. Design Telephone survey. Participants A convenience sample of 277 adults in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area were recruited through 4 schools. The sample was 85% female and 70% married. The mean number of children in the household was 2.6 (range 1 to 9). Variables Measured Adult fruit and vegetable intake, fat intake, and perceptions of the mealtime environment. Analysis Descriptive and mixed-model linear regression. Results Participants reported that the television was frequently on during dinner meals and almost one third felt that their family was too busy to eat dinner together. A higher frequency of television viewing during dinner was associated with lower fruit and vegetable consumption and higher fat consumption. Planning meals in advance was associated with higher fruit and vegetable consumption; however, 46% of the adults did not plan meals in advance. Arguments concerning eating behavior during dinner were associated with higher fat consumption. Conclusion and Implications The family meal environment is associated with adult eating patterns and should be considered when designing nutrition messages for families.
PLANUNGSPROBLEME DER WIRTSCHAFTLICHEN ENTWICKLUNG

SUMMARY The main problem of underdeveloped countries consists in an inflexible productive structure which makes it difficult to adopt to changes in world markets. There are three important instruments to improve their flexibility. The first instrument are the investments - not investments in general (this is only of interest in the context of stabilization policies) but specific investment projects or programs. The author distinguishes directly and indirectly productive investments, which require separate investment criteria. For the latter especially the fact ought to be taken account of that they cause large future current expenditures, therefore absorbe future resources ahead of creating them. The second instrument is the budget. In underdeveloped countries its task is not only to finance the public services but also to accumulate savings. It becomes the link between the public and the private sectors as well as between directly and indirectly productive investments, and, by this, the main instrument for development. The third instrument is the balance of payment policy: avoidance of balance of payment crises and efficient use of export receipt. Its further tasks consist in creating public savings—a task that is very often underestimated compared to the infant industry argument or the directing of import and export. In the last part the author scrutinizes a special problem of planning a specific investment project: shadow or accounting prices (wages, interest rates, exchange rate). The theory implies that all investments are directly productive, which ist too simple. When shadow prices are adopted, the budgetary consequences are neglected. E.g. a project is chosen on grounds of low shadow wages, nevertheless market wages have to be paid. The difference is a charge on the budget. The possibilities of productive investment are reduced, the composition of directly and indirectly productive investments altered in favour of the latter, and economic growth diminished. The author therefore concludes that the adoption of shadow prices calculated from a static system might prove disastrous to future growth. The solution would consist in realizingall investment projects the rate of return of which would exceed the interest rate of, say, the World Bank (more or less opportunity cost of capital), and limiting investment in indirectly productive activities to what the budget can stand, in particular to an amount that does not foreclose future savings.
Contact points between a positive transcription factor and the Xenopus 5S RNA gene.

Abstract We have investigated the contact points of a positive transcription factor with the internal control region of the 5S ribosomal RNA genes of Xenopus. The methylation of any one of eight G residues clustered at the 3′ end of the internal control region on the noncoding strand of the DNA or the ethylation of their surrounding phosphates interferes with the binding of this protein. The importance of the 5′ half of the control region is shown by a binding affinity of the protein to oocyte 5S RNA genes that is one fourth that to somatic 5S RNA genes. This can be attributed to two base changes at residues 53 and 55 in the 5′ part of the control region. The different affinities of the transcription factor for the oocyte and somatic 5S RNA genes may contribute to their differential expression in somatic cells. The almost exclusive location of strong contact points on the noncoding strand of the gene suggests how transcription events could proceed repeatedly along a gene that is assembled into a stable transcription complex. It is proposed that the complex is transiently shifted to the noncoding strand as each round of RNA synthesis occurs from the coding strand.
Active power control in a grid connected distributed generation system via time delay method

This paper applies time delay approach to control the active power in a grid connected distributed generation unit under varying load conditions. The control algorithm is developed in time domain; therefore, it is (almost) independent of the frequency and phase of the grid voltage. As a result it does not require frequency measurement, phased locked loop (PLL) system, and dq-transformation which reduces the complexity of the control algorithm. However, it is still possible to control the output voltage, or reactive power, at the common coupling point, independent of the dispatched active power.
Location of the Inner Radius of a Magnetically Threaded Accretion Disk

In models for disk accretion onto magnetized objects, the inner radius R0 of the Keplerian disk is conventionally expressed in the form R0 = ξrA, where rA is the Alfven radius for spherical accretion and the parameter ξ is usually taken to be 0.5. We point out that the value of ξ in fact depends on the fraction of the star's magnetic flux threading the disk, which is poorly known from theory: in general, ξ 1.35η4/7, where η ≤ 1 denotes the threading coefficient. Application of the beat frequency model to binary X-ray pulsars showing quasi-periodic oscillations suggests strongly that η ~ 1 for these objects: the stellar dipole field essentially fully threads the disk and ξ 1. When combined with improved accretion torque models characterized by critical fastness parameters near unity, the corrected values of ξ ≡ R0/rA should allow more reliable determinations of the accreting star's dipole moment and mass-radius relationship.
The effects of group quizzes on performance and motivation to learn: Two experiments in cooperative learning

Abstract This study investigated the effect of group quizzes on accounting students’ performance and motivation to learn. While cooperative learning in accounting education has been studied in recent years, the effects on student performance have been mixed [Lancaster, K.A.S., Strand, C.A., 1999. Using the team-learning model in a managerial accounting class: an experiment in cooperative learning. Issues in Accounting Education 16(4), 549–568; Ravenscroft, S., Buckless, F., Hassall, T., 1999. Cooperative learning – A literature guide. Accounting Education 8(2) (1999) 163–176]. Thus, two experiments were conducted (one using an experimental design and the other using a quasi-experimental design) that examined student performance and motivation to learn. The first experiment used a quasi-experimental design to compare the performance and motivation to learn of students who took a series of group quizzes versus students in comparable classes in a prior semester that did not take group quizzes. Using a series of group quizzes in a mixed factorial design, the second experiment examined the performance of both: (1) long-term groups versus ad hoc groups and (2) self-selected groups versus instructor assigned groups. Findings revealed no performance differences across conditions in either the first or second experiments. However, student subjects in the first experiment (using group quizzes) reported a significantly greater motivation to learn and perception of learning than those in the second experiment (not using group quizzes).
Transport properties of α-Si, Ge:H alloys prepared from SiF4, GeF4 and H2 in R.F. or D.C. Glow discharges

Abstract Dark and photoconductivities, drift mobilities and diffusion lengths of α-Si, Ge:H, F alloys are reported. Structural inhomogeneity of un-alloyed Ge and alloys with high Ge concentration has been observed with X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering.
UTILITY OF SNAP AND CRIB IN PREDICTION OF NEONATAL OUTCOMES IS BIRTH WEIGHT AND GESTATIONAL AGE DEPENDENT. † 1687

Measurement of the severity of illness among newborns in neonatal intensive care units has been developed in order to better understand differences in neonatal outcomes. The CRIB (Clinical Risk Index for Babies) and SNAP(Severity of Neonatal Acute Physiology) score the severity of illness using combinations of various parameters at 12 and 24 hours of life. We undertook a prospective study to assess the relationship SNAP and CRIB and charges, length of stay (LOS) and mortality in 438 newborns admitted to NICU at Packard Children's Hospital over a six month period. The relationship (r2) of SNAP and CRIB score to log total hospital charges, LOS and mortality was evaluated by linear and logistic regression analysis. The population was stratified by birth weight (BW) and gestational age (GA) to delineate their association with the severity of illness indices. Among 438 infants, 417(95.2%) survived and were discharged to home and 21 (4.8%) died.
Spark ignition of propane-air mixtures near the minimum ignition energy: Part I. An experimental study

Kernel growth from a spark in propane-air mixtures at atmospheric pressure is studied in a constant volume bomb with a high-speed laser schlieren system. The spark current and voltage waveforms of an inductive ignition source are simultaneously recorded with the photographic recordings. The temporal growth of the measured equivalent radii at conditions near the minimum ignition energy shows the existence of a critical radius and the influence of the critical radius on kernel development. In addition, it is shown that the net spark power for ignition can be estimated using data from minimum ignition energy, electrode fall energy losses, and spark calorimetry experiments. These results are used in Part II to develop a model for kernel growth.
Tissue-specific response of δ15N in adult Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi) following an isotopic shift in diet

The objective of this study was to measure the tissue-specific response of isotope δ15N to changes in isotopic signature of diet in an adult Pacific herring, Clupea pallasi, and to examine the importance of growth and metabolism in this shift. This was accomplished by placing wild adult Pacific herring in captivity and monitoring isotopic shift in tissues with a corresponding isotopic shift in diet, and the application of a metabolism/growth mixing model. Tissues examined were blood, eye, heart, liver, and white muscle. One group of herring was given a δ15N diet depleted by approximately 5.4‰, and another given a 15N-enriched diet labeled with 98 atom% l-phenylalanine. This study showed that (i) isotopic response of individual tissues following an isotopic shift in diet varied in both rate of change and fractionation level, (ii) most of this isotopic shift is due to growth, and (iii) white muscle and liver tissue appeared the most responsive to isotopic shift in diet, reaching isotopic equilibrium with diet in a matter of months (not years). For trophic studies using δ15N, these results indicate that field measurement of Pacific herring should be done after much of summer growth has occurred.
Functional magnetic nanoparticles for biodefense and biological threat monitoring and surveillance.

A new methodology toward biodefense and threat surveillance by water-dispersible, bactericidal, paramagnetic nanoparticles is presented. The nanoparticles consist of magnetite clusters (∼70 nm) modified by polyethyleneimine (PEI) and poly(hexamethylene biguanide) (PHMBG) and are prepared by a two-step procedure at an acceptable cost. The cationic nanoparticles are colloidally stable in water at pH ≤10, where they sequester DNA or whole microbes. The nanoparticles and bound DNA are captured by high-gradient magnetic separation. Methods of efficient extraction and quantification of the DNA by real-time PCR are developed. Broad bactericidal activity of the nanoparticles is demonstrated at concentrations far below cytotoxicity levels for mammalian cells. The levels of the DNA detection sensitivity obtained in our experiments allow us to project the applicability of the developed method for the detection of DNA molecules of various germs.
A five state dissemination of a community-based disability prevention program for older adults.

Objective: To describe challenges in disseminating the Health Enhancement Program (HEP), a community-based disability prevention program for community dwelling elders, and to examine program effectiveness in geographically dispersed sites.
An examination of the role of colonial Phaeocystis antarctica in the microbial food web of the Ross Sea

The extensive buildup of phytoplankton biomass in the Ross Sea conflicts with the view that high rates of herbivory occur in all regions of the Southern Ocean. Nano and microplanktonic consumers comprise a significant fraction of total plankton biomass; however, the importance of grazing remains uncertain in the Ross Sea. Microzooplankton ingestion of solitary and colonial cells of Phaeocystis antarctica were calculated using a novel live-staining fluorescently-labeled algae method. Different morphotypes of P. antarctica were stained different colors, mixed, and observed inside Euplotes to determine their feeding preference. The blue (7-aminocoumarin) (CMAC) stain was used on the colonies and the green (CMFDA) CellTracker Probe was used on solitary cells. Both morphotypes can be seen inside the food vacuoles of the ciliate, supporting the idea that microzooplankton are capable of ingesting cells within the colonial matrix. This suggests that P. antarctica colonies enter the microbial loop in the Ross Sea before sedimentation.
A human-centered framework for innovation in conservation incentive programs

The promise of environmental conservation incentive programs that provide direct payments in exchange for conservation outcomes is that they enhance the value of engaging in stewardship behaviors. An insidious but important concern is that a narrow focus on optimizing payment levels can ultimately suppress program participation and subvert participants' internal motivation to engage in long-term conservation behaviors. Increasing participation and engendering stewardship can be achieved by recognizing that participation is not simply a function of the payment; it is a function of the overall structure and administration of the program. Key to creating innovative and more sustainable programs is fitting them within the existing needs and values of target participants. By focusing on empathy for participants, co-designing program approaches, and learning from the rapid prototyping of program concepts, a human-centered approach to conservation incentive program design enhances the propensity for discovery of novel and innovative solutions to pressing conservation issues.
Oxalate content of palm fruit mesocarp

Abstract Fruit mesocarp of 60 species of palms were analyzed for total oxalate content. All species contained some oxalate, but concentrations varied widely among the seven palm tribes studied. Fruit oxalate concentrations were consistently low in the Phoeniceae, Borasseae, Lepidocaryeae and Cocoeae, high in the Hyophorbeae, Caryoteae and Cyclospatheae, and variable in the Areceae.
Seeing It Their Way: What Children's Definitions of Reading Tell Us About Improving Teacher Education:

The purposes of this article are to describe the results of an investigation of first-grade students' definitions of reading and to suggest implications of the study for teacher educators. A 4-month long naturalistic study was conducted in one first-grade classroom. Analysis of observations, interviews, and documents revealed that students in the low- and high-reading groups constructed different understandings about the nature and purpose of reading. Students' definitions of reading were the result of interaction between their prior knowledge about reading and the reading experiences they had in the classroom. The study's implications for teacher educators are discussed.
Magnetomechanical characterization and unified energy model for the quasistatic behavior of ferromagnetic shape memory Ni-Mn-Ga

This paper presents an overview of the characterization and modeling of single crystal ferromagnetic shape memory Ni–Mn–Ga. A continuum thermodynamics model is presented which describes the magnetomechanical characterization of single crystal Ni–Mn–Ga for the following behavior: (i) sensing effect; (ii) actuation effect; (iii) blocked force (stress generation). The thermodynamic potentials, namely the magnetic Gibbs energy and the Gibbs energy, are obtained from the Helmholtz energy in order to arrive at the set of required independent and dependent variables; the potentials include magnetic energy consisting of Zeeman, magnetostatic and anisotropy components, and mechanical energy consisting of elastic and twinning components. Mechanical dissipation and the microstructure of Ni–Mn–Ga are incorporated in the continuum model through the internal state variables volume fraction, domain fraction, and magnetization rotation angle. The constitutive response of the material is obtained by restricting the process through the second law of thermodynamics. The model requires only seven parameters identified from two simple experiments. Several interesting characteristics of Ni–Mn–Ga are examined in concert with the magnetomechanical characterization.
Effect of Certain Drugs on Perfused Human Placenta III: Sympathomimetics, Acetylcholine, and Histamine

Perfusion studies conducted on full term human placentas indicated that histamine and serotonin consistently cause marked increases in perfusion pressure. A moderate increase in pressure was observed in response to epinephrine and l -epinephrine. In addition, norepinephrine and acetylcholine produced only slight increases in the perfusion pressure. Maximum effects were recorded with the above agents when the preparation was composed of a long cord placenta. Iproniazid was incapable of enhancing the action of the sympathomimetic amines tested significantly.
Supercomputing in medical science

Supercomputer facilities have been applied to a problem in numerically intensive medical image processing. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data was converted into a useful information product. The motivation for this work is the "information overload" that radiologists currently experience with the overwhelming amount of data that MRI scans produce. The work was encouraged by past success in using image processing on earth observation satellite programs. The objectives of this work were to determine if the source data, multiple MRI echos, could be converted into one tissue map and to assess the computational requirements. We found that vectorizing of numerically intensive kernels reduces CPU use by a factor of 2-3 times. Our initial experience with the application of fuzzy and ISODATA clustering analysis provides data dimension reduction, improved tissue specificity, and provides a more quantitative diagnostic tool for the radiologist.
“I Have a Fear of Really Screwing It Up” The Fears, Doubts, Anxieties, and Judgments of One American Single Mother by Choice

Since the 1980s, a growing number of American women are choosing to start a family without a male partner. Not only are these women going against the norm, they do so in an era of “intensive mothering,” which places enormous responsibility on mothers to assure that their children have every possible advantage and judges mothers for the way their children turn out. An intensive case study of one American single mother by choice illuminates a range of worries produced as a result of engaging in intensive parenting in an age of anxiety and highlights some of the special stresses that may pertain to doing so as an intentionally single mother.
Differential binding of serum proteins to nanoparticles

In the physiological environment, endogenous proteins readily adsorb to the surface of foreign materials. These proteins facilitate recognition by phagocytic cells and strongly influence the nature of the immune and inflammatory responses. Properly anticipating the potential adverse effects caused by nanomaterials requires a fundamental understanding of the physical properties that govern this process. The large number of adherent proteins and the competitive nature of adsorption in multicomponent solutions have made quantifying protein adsorption to nanomaterials from native physiological fluids a challenging analytical prospect. In this paper, we report the use of an isotope coded affinity tag (ICAT) based dual-label method to identify the proteins that adsorb to aluminium, nickel and diamond nanoparticles following their exposure to human serum. With this method, we were able to identify 69 unique proteins that exhibited adsorption to the various nanoparticles and quantify the relative affinities with which these proteins bind.
Fatigue Failure Progression in Ball Bearings

Typically, the life of a component containing rolling contacts is defined as the time to the initiation of a fatigue spall. Initiation of a spall does not always cause the component to stop performing its designed function. Operating the component past the initiation of a spall increases the heat generation rates and vibrations, eventually leading to total failure. A ball/v-ring test rig was used to initiate and progress spalls on bearing halls where spall progression was measured as a function of time, and vibrations monitored using accelerometers. A spall progression life mathematical model for balls endurance tested in the v-ring rig was created by extending the loannides-Harris fatigue life theory. Also. excessive vibratory loading was determined to be the major cause of total component failure.
Surveillance Systems for Smart Homes: A Comparative Survey

As the number of older Americans increases and many decide to stay in their homes, the need for assistive technologies grows. One such technology is an intelligent system of surveillance cameras. While these systems can provide many services, we attempted to limit ourselves to the evaluation of systems that use cameras to track the locations of objects that may be lost or misplaced within a home. We provide a comparison of the systems that are currently in operation or are being developed and suggest areas where enhancements may produce systems that are more effective. Because few systems exist for the sole purpose of tracking objects in a home, we also evaluate systems that are designed to use multiple cameras to perform general surveillance. We go on to show where some principles of these system can be adapted to improve the performance in the task of tracking objects within a home.
Testing a model: a developmental perspective of adolescent male sexuality.

PURPOSE. This study tested a model of adolescent male sexuality and evaluated its usefulness for predicting sexual behaviors among a diverse sample. DESIGN AND METHODS. Secondary analysis using a national sample was conducted. Sexuality was conceptualized as depending on family, peers, and school. Neighborhood was hypothesized to influence sexuality indirectly. Sexuality was hypothesized to influence sexual behaviors and age at first sex. Structural equation modeling techniques were used with ethnic comparisons. RESULTS. Family was the strongest predictor of sexuality. Males who were closer to their family were sexually conservative; males closer to peers were sexually permissive. Neighborhood's influence was moderated through family and school. Ethnic differences were not found. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Sexuality assessments and strengthening family relationships are essential.
Interactive effect of alcohol and nicotine on developing cerebellum: an investigation of the temporal pattern of alcohol and nicotine administration.

Background: Among individuals who use alcohol and tobacco products, pregnant women represent a unique subpopulation that generates a greater concern because of the toxic effects of alcohol and nicotine (from cigarettes and tobacco products) on the health of both the pregnant woman and her fetus. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the interactive effects of these two substances on the fetus. Previously, we found that concurrent exposure to alcohol and nicotine did not result in the loss of greater numbers of Purkinje cells compared with each drug treatment alone, possibly as a result of a nicotine-mediated decline in peak blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The present study tested the validity of this hypothesis. Methods: On postnatal day (PD) 4, Sprague-Dawley rat pups were assigned to five groups, GC (no alcohol ALC, no nicotine NIC), ALC (4 g/kg/day), NIC (6 mg/kg/day), ALC/NIC (ALC and NIC given concurrently), or ALC-NIC (NIC administered 6 hr after ALC exposure). These rat pups were reared in an artificial-rearing apparatus from PDs 4 to 9, and the cerebellar tissues were obtained on PD 10. The total number of cerebellar Purkinje cells in the vermis was estimated using stereological methods. Results: The results showed that alcohol significantly reduced Purkinje cell numbers. The coexposure of alcohol and nicotine did not lead to further reduction in Purkinje cell number regardless of administration method, concurrent or sequential. However, alcohol and nicotine administered concurrently but not sequentially significantly lowered the BAC. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the lack of increased Purkinje cell loss after the coexposure of alcohol and nicotine is independent of nicotine's ability to lower the BAC. An alternative hypothesis might be that alcohol and nicotine target the same subpopulation of Purkinje cells; therefore, no additional Purkinje cells were lost from the coexposure of these two drugs.
Supervisory control in a dynamic and uncertain environment: a process model of skilled human-environment interaction

An understanding of how both psychological and environmental factors mutually constrain skilled behavior is required to effectively support human activity. As a step toward meeting this need, a process model of skilled human interaction with a dynamic and uncertain environment is presented. The model was able to mimic human behavior in a laboratory task requiring one- and two-person crews to direct the activities of a fleet of agents to locate and process valued objects in a simulated world. The process model is a pair of highly interactive components that together mimic the behavior of the human-environment system. One component is a representation of the external environment as a dynamically changing set of opportunities for action. The second component is a dynamic representation of skilled human decision making and planning behavior within the environment so described. The process model is an expression of a general theory of skilled interaction assuming that perception and action mechanisms sensitive to environmental constraints are responsible for generating much of behavior, and where the need for additional cognitive processing of internal representations may result from environmental designs that do not adequately support the perceptual guidance of activity. >
Predictors of preschool children's compliance behavior in early childhood classroom settings

Abstract Working within a person–process–context framework, we investigated the relation of the level of preschool children's compliance to child temperament, caregiver–child interaction in the child care setting, child care quality, and contextual chaos. Participants were 86 preschoolers and their teachers. Our database included both questionnaires and observations in child care centers. Child compliance was predicted by child temperament, caregiver behaviors, daycare quality, and level of daycare chaos. Child difficult temperament moderated the influence of caregiver behaviors but did not moderate the influence of environmental chaos on child compliance. Caregiver behaviors did not act to mediate the relations between environmental chaos and compliance. The predictive variance increased as process and context variables were added to the initial person predictor model (additive coaction), and different sets of predictors were associated with committed, situational, and passive noncompliance. The present results indicate that different combinations of main effects predicted different outcomes, illustrating how multiple predictors relate to different aspects of child compliance.
Visible-infrared self-amplified spontaneous emission amplifier free electron laser undulator

The visible-infrared self-amplified spontaneous emission amplifier (VISA) free electron laser (FEL) is an experimental device designed to show self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) to saturation in the near infrared to visible light energy range. It generates a resonant wavelength output from 800\char21{}600 nm, so that silicon detectors may be used to characterize the optical properties of the FEL radiation. VISA is designed to show how SASE FEL theory corresponds with experiment in this wavelength range, using an electron beam with emittance close to that planned for the future Linear Coherent Light Source at SLAC. VISA comprises a 4 m pure permanent magnet undulator with four 99 cm segments, each of 55 periods, 18 mm long. The undulator has distributed focusing built into it, to reduce the average beta function of the 70\char21{}85 MeV electron beam to about 30 cm. There are four FODO cells per segment. The permanent magnet focusing lattice consists of blocks mounted on either side of the electron beam, in the undulator gap. The most important undulator error parameter for a free electron laser is the trajectory walk-off, or lack of overlap of the photon and electron beams. Using pulsed wire magnet measurements and magnet shimming, we were able to control trajectory walk-off to less than $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}50\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ per field gain length.
Conflict and Cognitive Control in the Brain

Recent research from cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience has suggested that the control mechanisms by which people are able to regulate task performance can be dissociated into evaluative and executive components. One process, implemented in the anterior cingulate cortex of the brain, monitors the amount of conflict that occurs during information processing; another process, implemented in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, is involved with maintaining the requirements of the task at hand and with biasing information processing in favor of appropriate responses. In the current article, we review this theory and some of the research that has supported it, including its implication for understanding cognitive disturbances in clinical disorders such as schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. We conclude by addressing several interesting possibilities for future research.
Telomere-based crisis: functional differences between telomerase activation and ALT in tumor progression

Telomerase activation is a common feature of most advanced human cancers and is postulated to restore genomic stability to a level permissive for cell viability and tumor progression. Here, we used genetically defined transformed mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cultures derived from late generation mTerc−/− Ink4a/Arf−/− mice to explore more directly how telomere-based crisis relates to the evolution of cancer cell genomes and to tumor biology. An exhaustive serial analysis of cytogenetic profiles over extensive passage in culture revealed that the emergence of chromosomal fusions (including dicentrics) coincided with onset of deletions and complex nonreciprocal translocations (NRTs), whereas mTerc-transduced cultures maintained intact chromosomes and stable genomes. Despite a high degree of telomere dysfunction and genomic instability, transformed late passage mTerc−/− Ink4a/Arf−/− cultures retained the capacity to form subcutaneous tumors in immunocompromised mice. However, even moderate levels of telomere dysfunction completely abrogated the capacity of these cells to form lung metastases after tail-vein injection, whereas mTerc reconstitution alone conferred robust metastatic activity in these cells. Finally, serial subcutaneous tumor formation using late passage transformed mTerc−/− Ink4a/Arf−/− cultures revealed clear evidence of telomerase-independent alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). Significantly, despite a marked increase in telomere reserve, cells derived from the ALT+ subcutaneous tumors were unable to generate lung metastases, indicating in vivo functional differences in these principal mechanisms of telomere maintenance. Together, these results are consistent with the model that although telomere dysfunction provokes chromosomal aberrations that initiate carcinogenesis, telomerase-mediated telomere maintenance enables such initiated cells to efficiently achieve a fully malignant endpoint, including metastasis.
Tilting Toward Thanatos: America's “Countervailing” Nuclear Strategy

America's current nuclear strategy seeks to improve deterrence with a counterforce targeting plan that exceeds the requirements of mutual assured destruction. This “countervailing” nuclear strategy codifies an enlarged spectrum of retaliatory options. The author argues, however, that the countervailing strategy is based upon a number of implausible and contradictory assumptions, and that it actually degrades the overriding objective of genuine security. For many reasons, the Soviet Union is not apt to assign a higher probability of fulfillment to American counterforce threats; under certain conditions, current policy confronts our adversary with a heightened incentive to pre-empt. The conclusion identifies an alternative strategy for the avoidance of nuclear war, a network of doctrines and obligations that calls for a return to minimum deterrence, a comprehensive test ban, and a joint renunciation of the right to the first use of nuclear weapons.
Design and manufacturability aspect of SOI CMOS RFICs

This paper presents the design and manufacturability of SOI RF integrated circuits, from an SOI technology understanding, to the integration of high-performance passive devices for a wireless system-on-chip (SoC) application. In the technology section, we show the ability of SOI NMOS transistors to function as high-bandwidth amplifiers. A 9-stage distributed amplifier exhibited a gain of 11 dB with a 90 GHz 3 dB cut-off frequency. We also present four features of an aggressively scaled 120 nm partially-depleted SOI CMOS technology that shows its suitability for HF circuit applications. In the integrated-passive section, high-Q inductors and high value capacitors are both presented. In the RF circuit design section, four 5 GHz LC-tank VCOs are detailed Finally, a 2:1 static frequency divider, exhibiting a maximum operating frequency of 33 GHz, is described.
Evaluation of the potential hazard to barn owls of talon (brodifacoum bait) used to control rats and house mice

During 1980, a radiotelemetry study on barn owls (Tyto alba) was conducted to evaluate the secondary hazards of the anticoagulant rodenticide TALON® (containing 0.005% brodifacoum) when it was used for controlling rats (Rattus spp.) and house mice (Mus musculus) on farms. Thirty-five active nests were located in about 1,100 km2 (430 mi2) in southwestern New Jersey. Starting on June 9, 1980, radio transmitters with tail clips were attached to 26 adult nesting barn owls and 8 fledged young of the year. In one 20-km2 (about 8 mi2) area, which was the most intensively searched, 12 active barn owl nests were located. Of all 35 active nests, 66% were in trees, 11% in barns, 8.5% in silos, 8.5% in chimneys and 6% in miscellaneous locations. Analysis of regurgitated pellets showed that meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) were the most common prey at all sites. Although Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) and house mice occurred in some pellet collections, they made up only a small part of the diet (3.9% rats and 2% mice) of barn owls in the study area. Baiting at farms with TALON was begun on July 24, and ended on September 29, 1980. TALON was not observed to cause or implicated in barn owl mortality during the study. However, trace residues (< 0.05 ppm, the limit of determination) of brodifacoum were found in one electrocuted barn owl. Young barn owls were fledged from at least eight sites where poisoned rodents were available on the farms for at least part of the nesting and feeding period (including pre- and postfledging). Furthermore, radiotelemetry confirmed that at least 9, and possibly 12, of the radio-equipped owls were present on sites posttreatment, when census evaluations showed commensal rodents were present and consuming TALON bait.
Electrochemical Liquid-Liquid-Solid Deposition of Crystalline Gallium Antimonide

Abstract Direct electrodeposition of phase-pure crystalline gallium antimonide (GaSb) films has been achieved at low processing temperatures from an aqueous electrolyte. A liquid gallium electrode was used to drive the electroreduction of Sb2O3 dissolved in 0.6 M NaOH. The quality and purity of the resultant films produced depended strongly on the chosen conditions, including temperature, time, and concentration of dissolved Sb2O3. Under select conditions, the direct production of polycrystalline films of GaSb was possible. Raman spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, selected area electron diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were separately used to analyze the identity and crystallinity of the electrodeposited films. The cumulative data showed that this electrodeposition process followed the features common both to conventional electrodeposition and melt crystal growth. Accordingly, this electrodeposition process could not be categorized as electrodeposition followed by annealing. Rather, the data implicate this method is akin to a hybrid electrodeposition solution-based crystal growth, where crystalline GaSb films could be grown up to thicknesses of 1 μm in 60 min.
Teaching Group Dynamics Through an Application-Based Learning Approach:

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how a structured experiential course can be used to teach students to lead group discussions. Group dynamics and leadership skills were taught through t...
Development of eastern cottonwood cuttings as modified by cutting length and surface area available for rooting

Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh.) is commonly propagated using un-rooted cuttings. While cutting length and diameter, genetics and environmental conditions are often cited as major factors contributing to the successful establishment of cottonwood plantations, it is difficult to determine which specific cutting characteristic or mechanism leads to improved root establishment or plant development. For example, increasing stem size can affect rooting and subsequent plant growth by altering the cutting energy reserves as well as the surface area from which latent roots develop. In this study, the contribution of cutting length and belowground surface area to rooting and early growth was examined for eastern cottonwood. To discern cutting length effects, the belowground portion of four different cutting lengths was restricted so each cutting had the same belowground surface area available for rooting. To discern surface area effects, 40-cm-long cuttings were restricted to produce four different levels of surface area from which roots could develop. Leaf area, stem height, aboveground and belowground biomass, and root numbers were measured after 13 weeks of growth. The only statistically significant relationships related to biomass were due to the initial differences in cutting length. Cuttings with greater surface areas formed more lateral roots, while longer cuttings did not. By contrast, increased cutting lengths resulted in greater numbers of basal roots, but not for cuttings with greater belowground surface areas.
Deliberate Self-Harm in Adolescents

Occurrences of deliberate self-harm (DSH) are commonly encountered when caring for adolescents, especially in mental healthcare settings. Defined as the intentional damage of body tissues without suicidal intent, DSH is officially included as a symptom of borderline personality disorder. However, DSH also occurs along with many other mental health conditions and also in nonclinical populations. The lifetime prevalence of DSH in adolescents and young adults varies greatly depending on the population studied, and is noted to be up to 80 % in some psychiatric inpatient populations. Because DSH is a marker for increased risk of future suicide attempts and can cause distress and injury, clinicians need to be able to provide thorough assessment of the behavior, monitor for suicidality, and refer for or provide proper treatment. This chapter covers how self-harm is defined and reviews the epidemiology of this behavior. Theories of the psychological function and the currently understood pathophysiology, along with recommended clinical approaches, assessment, and treatment strategies, are discussed.
Levelized cost of electricity for solar photovoltaic, battery and cogen hybrid systems

Abstract The technological development and economic of scale for solar photovoltaic (PV), batteries and combined heat and power (CHP) have led to the technical potential for a mass-scale transition to off-grid home electricity production for a significant number of utility customers. However, economic projections on complex hybrid systems utilizing these three technologies is challenging and no comprehensive method is available for guiding decision makers. This paper provides a new method of quantifying the economic viability of off-grid PV+battery+CHP systems by calculating the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of the technology to be compared to centralized grid electricity. The analysis is inherently conservative as it does not include the additional value of the heat form the CHP unit. A case study for residential electricity and thermal demand in an extreme worst case environment (Houghton, Michigan) is provided to demonstrate the methodology. The results of this case study show that with reasonable economic assumptions and current costs, PV+battery+CHP systems already provide a potential source of profit for some consumers to leave the grid. A sensitivity analysis for LCOE of such a hybrid system was then carried out on the capital cost of the three energy sub-systems, capacity factor of PV and CHP, efficiency of the CHP, natural gas rates, and fuel consumption of the CHP. The results of the sensitivity provide decision makers with clear guides to the LCOE of distributed generation with off-grid PV+battery+CHP systems and offer support to preliminary analysis that indicated a potential increase in grid defection in the U.S. in the near future.