cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rest and Time-Harmonic States of a Charge

The simplest state of a charge is a rest charge. A localized rest charge can exist in a field theory thanks to a nonlinearity. An important characteristic of a charge is its size, and it is determined by a size parameter which enters the nonlinearity. In this chapter we describe nonlinearities which allow localized solutions and describe properties of rest charges.
The Price of Gold

Abstract Economists forecast the price of gold and annual output as if these were conventionally determined by the structure of market supplies and demands for newly produced commodity flows. Even when adjusted for changes in inventories, these models have been unable to explain the fluctuations experienced in actual gold markets. On the other hand, gold dealers have been equally unsuccessful in attempting to relate the changes in gold prices directly to movements in the traditional monetary variables thought to be important, such as the rates of change in the price level. This paper shows that neither approach can be successful without explicit consideration of the elasticities of supply and demand for gold stocks held outside those of producers or the central banking systems, estimated to exceed 1,000 million troy ounces. The fact that these holdings are orders of magnitude larger than annual production, given the important role of the dollar 's movements under flexible exchange-rales, suggests to us th...
From remote sensing to a serious game: Digital reconstruction of an abandoned medieval village in Southern Italy

Abstract The digital reconstruction of the history of a buried medieval village is the main focus of this paper. The study, based on remote sensing and historical sources, is the starting point of the development of a serious game aimed at educational purposes and exploitation of remote sensing data in the field of edutainment. The selected historical scenario is Yrsum, a village in Basilicata (South of Italy), founded in the 11th century and abandoned in the 14th century. A LiDAR survey along with satellite multispectral data (suitably elaborated for feature extraction) as well as the historical sources and archaeological records provided useful information on the ‘forma urbis’ of the medieval settlement from its foundation to its abandonment. The extraction of the archaeological features and the analysis of urban pattern put in evidence similarities with some medieval settlements based on “motte and bailey” typology that spread in Southern Italy, France and England from the 11th to the 13th century. After the virtual reconstruction, an interactive application articulated both on bi-dimensional and three-dimensional elements have been developed. The major novelty compared to most common video games has been the possibility to derive the game from rigorously scientific data. The player enjoys and learns within a logic of an edutainment game (a combination of education and entertainment), which has become by now a well-established concept but still rarely applied in the field of cultural heritage.
Coffee, beer, and wine consumption and PhIP-DNA adducts in black and white men with prostate cancer

B73 Coffee, beer and wine consumption and PhIP-DNA adducts in black and white men with prostate cancer Background Prostate cancer incidence and mortality is significantly higher in black men compared to white men in the U.S. and racial differences in diet may play a role in this disparity. The predominant heterocyclic amine in cooked meats, 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo [4,5-b] pyridine (PhIP), has been shown to be carcinogenic in rat prostate and likely derives its carcinogenic potential through the formation of DNA adducts. Blacks have been shown to have higher levels of PhIP in their diet and urine. In addition, a recent prospective cohort study of black men showed PhIP intake was positively associated with PSA blood levels. Coffee, beer and red wine have been shown to affect PhIP metabolizing enzymes. Therefore, we tested whether consumption of these beverages was associated with prostate PhIP-DNA adduct levels in black and white men with prostate cancer. Methods The study population included 105 black and 161 white men who underwent radical prostatectomy treatment for prostate cancer. Beverage consumption and meat intake information was based on food frequency questionnaires. PhIP-DNA adducts in tumor and adjacent non-tumor cells were measured using immunohistochemical methods. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA and stepwise linear regression. Results In tumor and adjacent non-tumor prostate tissue of all subjects, significantly lower mean PhIP-DNA adduct levels were found among beer (mean optical density units, tumor: 0.101 vs. 0.108, p=0.01, non-tumor: 0.162 vs. 0.174, p=0.03) and red wine (tumor: 0.097 vs. 0.108, p
The Role of Norms in Marijuana Use Among American Indian Adolescents

American Indian adolescents residing on reservations report high levels of marijuana use. Understanding the relationships between normative mechanisms and marijuana use in this group can be especially important in designing effective strategies to prevent use. Participants were 3446 students identifying as American Indian in grades 7-12 across four academic years (2009-2012) from 45 schools. Multilevel logistic analysis was used to examine the relationships between lifetime, last month, and frequent marijuana use and measures of the normative environment. Descriptive and injunctive norms were distinctly and directly associated with all measures of marijuana use, with family injunctive norms showing a strong relationship to use (0.49 < OR < 0.58 for a 9th grade student). Family injunctive norms moderated the relationship between descriptive norms and lifetime and last month use (OR = 0.79 and 0.82, respectively), with higher family disapproval associated with a weaker relationship between descriptive norms and use. Anticipatory socialization was positively related to all measures of marijuana use, with the relationship stronger for lifetime and last month use than for frequent use (OR = 1.88, 1.74, and 1.30, respectively). A contextual variable of descriptive norms was related to lifetime and last month use (OR = 1.66 and 1.51, respectively) but not frequent use. These findings reinforce the importance of parental norms in reducing the likelihood of using marijuana. In addition, prevention strategies that increase the perception that healthy behaviors not involving marijuana use are an enjoyable way to socialize may be more effective in preventing occasional marijuana use.
Building Network Services

The messaging and communication technologies discussed in this chapter can be used to connect devices and people (e.g., sensors, mobile devices, single board computers, microcontrollers, desktop computers, local servers, and cloud services) in a distributed network (LAN or WAN) via a range of wired and wireless communication technologies including: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, RFID, NFC, Zigbee, Bluetooth, GSM, GPRS, GPS, 3G, 4G (Fuqaha 2015; Dujovne et al. 2014) [1].
Abstract 454: High Density Lipoprotein Proteome Dynamics is Altered in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Objectives: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with an increased rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) related mortality. HDL protects against CVD through reverse cholesterol transport, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. HDL functions and the proteome composition are altered in CVD. We used 2 H 2 O metabolic labeling approach to test hypothesis that altered HDL proteome dynamics is involved in HDL dysfunction in NAFLD. Methods: The kinetics of HDL proteins were measured in patients NAFLD (n=12) and healthy controls (n=8). Each subject consumed 2 H 2 O in their drinking water and blood samples were collected at different time points during one week. 2 H-enrichment of tryptic peptides from HDL proteins were analyzed by mass spectrometry. Oxidase activity of HDL-associated ceruloplasmin (Cp) and HDL’s inflammatory index were quantified using spectrophotometric assays. Results: Compared to control, NAFLD had higher BMI, Hba1c, HOMA-IR, plasma AST, ALT and triglycerides, but similar LDL and HDL cholesterol. NAFLD also had higher inflammatory index (1.8±0.5 vs 1.2±0.2 RUF/mgHDLc/min, p NAFLD was significantly enriched with proteins involved in the acute phase response (complement 3, Cp) but depleted in apoAII and PON1. These changes were associated with increased fractional catabolic rates (FCRs) of apoAI (1.6±0.2 vs 1.1±0.3 %/h), apoAII (1.6±0.2 vs 1.1±0.3 %/h), apoAIV (2.6±0.8 vs 3.9±0.7%/h) and increased relative production rate (RPR) of complement 3 (>4 fold). Oxidase activity of Cp was positively associated with FCR of apoAI (r=0.53, p=0.002) and RPR of C3 (r=0.32, p=0.03). Conclusions: HDL dysfunction in NASH could be related to the altered turnover of HDL proteins, including increased degradation of apoAI, apoAII, apoAIV and increased production of C3.
Tobacco toxicant exposure in cigarette smokers who use or do not use other tobacco products.

Background Non-cigarette other tobacco products (OTP; e.g., cigarillos, little cigars) are typically used in combination with cigarettes, but limited data exists on the tobacco toxicant exposure profiles of dual cigarette-OTP (Cig-OTP) users. This study examined biomarkers of nicotine and carcinogen exposure in cigarette smokers who used or did not use OTP.
Abstracts of Additional Conference Papers

This chapter reproduces short abstracts of 14 papers presented at the conference for which complete papers were not submitted. These were extracted from the conference program published by the Karst Waters Institute. The abstracts summarize research on the assessment of karst groundwater contamination, contamination and public health, and hydrogeologic studies of karst aquifers and are arranged under these headings.
Headache Interest in Academic Neurology Leadership: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Headache disorders are exceedingly common, debilitating neurological conditions, and there is a striking paucity of headache specialists nationally. However, headache education is underrepresented in the curriculum of neurology residency programs and few neurology residents elect to pursue headache medicine fellowships. We aimed to explore the possibility that a low degree of headache interest among neurology department chairs and residency program directors (PDs) underlies this mismatch. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis of chairs and PDs associated with ACGME neurology residency programs. Data sources included the ACGME program list, faculty profiles on institutional webpages, Doximity profiles, the American Headache Society (AHS) membership directory, and the roster of United Council for Neurologic Specialties (UCNS) headache diplomates. A headache interest was deemed to be present with the presence of a declared headache or concussion interest, completion of a headache fellowship, active AHS membership, or UCNS certification. Results Our review included 137 residency programs comprising 127 department chairs, 132 PDs, and 5 faculty who were both chairs and PDs. Of all faculty, 62 (23.5%) were women. Headache expertise was declared by 10 (7.6%) chairs and 13 (9.5%) PDs. Headache fellowship training was pursued by 1 (0.8%) chair and 5 (3.6%) PDs, and among all faculty was the 10th most common subspecialty fellowship pursued. Three (2.3%) chairs and 7 (5.1%) PDs were AHS members. Seven (5.3%) chairs and 10 (7.3%) PDs were UCNS headache certified. An overall headache interest was present in 29 (11.0%) faculty, including 14 (10.6%) chairs and 15 (10.9%) PDs. A graduate degree aside from an MD (eg, PhD, MPH) was more likely to be achieved in faculty without a headache interest (29.4%) than faculty with a headache interest (6.9%, P = .0076). Residency programs where either the chair or PD had a headache interest were just as likely to feature a UCNS headache fellowship program than programs without chair or PD headache interest (25.0 vs 23.0%, P = .83). Conclusions Current neurology department chairs and residency PDs have low rates of headache interest, which may influence the emphasis of headache education in neurology training. Headache interest is associated with lower rates of other graduate degrees, and future analysis should examine if academic faculty interested in headache are less likely to be in leadership positions because of a lack of research funding, opportunities, or accomplishments.
Los Angeles Housing Models and Neighborhoods' Role in Supportive Housing Residents' Social Integration.

Social integration is an indicator of programmatic success in supportive housing, yet is an ongoing challenge for residents. This study examines varying supportive housing models’ (i.e. congregate,...
CHEMICAL CARCINOGENS IN THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT. BENZO(a)PYRENE IN ECONOMICALLY-IMPORTANT BIVALVE MOLLUSKS FROM OREGON ESTUARIES

Abstract We have recently begun to study levels of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that are present in bivalve mollusks from Oregon's estuaries. Because of many unique features in their life history and biology, indigenous shellfish are useful for monitoring the marine environment. In this paper, we describe benzo(a)pyrene (BAP) levels in economically-important shellfish populations from several sites in five Oregon bays. We have assayed BAP levels in clams (Tresus capax, Saxidomus giganteus, Mya arenaria), mussels (Mytilus edulis) and oysters (Crassostrea gigas) from Tillamook, Netarts, Yaquina, Alsea and Coos Bays. Detectable levels of BAP were present in bivalves from 38 of the 44 sampling sites. High levels (> 15 ng/g) were present in mussels collected from the Newport bayfront in Yaquina Bay and from a marina in Tillamook Bay. Significant levels (> 5 ng/g) were present in M. arenaria collected from an area adjacent to the shipping docks in Coos Bay.
The Shape and Motion of the Heavens

In Chap. 4 of Book I that we now pick up our reading once again. Herein, Aristotle examines how the motion of the heavens are related to, or perhaps even dictated by, their shape. He begins by ranking the planar and solid figures according to the number of edges and angles they have. How does this geometrical classification inform his opinion on the shape of the heavens? Are his arguments reasonable? Moreover, how is his theory of heavenly motion informed by his understanding of the growth and decay of animals? Perhaps most interesting are Aristotle’s views, expressed in Chap. 5, on chance and spontaneity. In particular, can chance be the cause of the motion of the heavens? Which (if any) of his arguments pertaining to the shape and motion of the heavens would suffer if he were to admit chance or spontaneity as valid modes of explanation?
Guidewire Properties and Selection

The cornerstone to a successful percutaneous coronary intervention involves the appropriate selection of a coronary guidewire with inherent properties designed to support and navigate coronary devices through various coronary anatomies. The basic construct of the coronary guidewire has the following functions:
Minimum Dwell Times for the Stability of Switched Systems with Multiple Stable Operating Points

This work outlines a practical process, based on dwell times, for ensuring the stability of non-linear switched systems with a different stable equilibrium for each mode. Relevant Lyapunov theorems are discussed, followed by a derivation of an algorithm that determines dwell times for each system mode for guaranteeing stability. An analysis of algorithm parameters and potentially troublesome systems is then included. Finally, two examples are drawn from power electronics and electric machinery and processed by the proposed method. Application of this approach will both grant confidence in switched system stability and warn of possible unstable system behavior when appropriate.
Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Attitudes and Consumption During the First 1000 Days of Life.

Objectives. To examine the relationship of parental sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) attitudes with SSB consumption during the first 1000 days of life—gestation to age 2 years.Methods. We studied 394...
Impact of Pre-Op Mitral Regurgitation Following Left Ventricular Assist Device Implant

Purpose Management of mitral regurgitation (MR) during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement is debated. This study evaluates the effect of untreated pre-op MR on outcomes following LVAD implant. Methods Adults undergoing continuous flow LVAD placement from April 2004 to May 2017 were included. Most recent pre-op transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) was used to divide patients into a significant MR (SMR) group with moderate or greater MR, and a group without SMR. Patients underwent LVAD implant without correction of MR. Demographics, comorbidities, and hemodynamic variables were compared between cohorts. End-points included post-operative mortality , length of stay (LOS), and readmission. Resolution of SMR following VAD on 1 month post-op TTE was also studied. Results LVAD placement was performed in 270 patients, 172 (63.7%) without SMR and 98 (36.3 %) with SMR. There were no differences in patient demographics except for lower patient weight in the SMR group (86.0 kg vs 91.7kg, p=0.033). No differences were observed in co-morbidities including diabetes , hypertension, and renal disease . Pre-op ejection fraction , pulmonary artery pressure , and trans-pulmonary gradient were not different between cohorts. More patients with SMR were on milrinone pre-operatively (88.8% vs 75.6%, p=0.009). There was no difference in mortality between the 2 cohorts ( Figure). The SMR group had decreased LOS (median 19.5 vs 22 days, p=0.009), with no difference in number of days to first re-admission. SMR patients had more 1 year readmissions per patient than those without SMR (median 5 vs 4, p=0.027). Of 98 SMR patients, 91 (92.9 %) had decrease in MR to less than moderate. There were no differences in mortality or readmissions in those who had resolution in SMR and those 7 (7.1%) patients with post LVAD SMR. Conclusion Patients undergoing LVAD placement with pre-op SMR do not experience differences in mortality, and a majority experience resolution of MR after implant. Pre-op SMR may increase risk for re-admission following LVAD.
RecET Direct Cloning of Polysaccharide Gene Cluster from Gram-Negative Bacteria

RecET direct cloning enables obtaining a large DNA region from genome. Here we describe its applications in cloning of polysaccharide gene cluster from gram-negative bacteria. Rapid and exact cloning of polysaccharide gene cluster can be achieved by this method.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension: An Analysis of the Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Network Registry.

Objective To investigate racial and ethnic differences in pulmonary hypertension subtypes and survival differences in a pediatric population. Study design This was a retrospective analysis of a cohort of patients with pulmonary hypertension (aged ≤18 years) enrolled in the Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Network registry between 2014 and 2018, comprising patients at eight Pediatric Centers throughout North America (n = 1417). Results Among children diagnosed after the neonatal period, pulmonary arterial hypertension was more prevalent among Asians (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.21-2.79; P = .0045), lung disease-associated pulmonary hypertension among blacks (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.48-2.95; P Conclusions We found significant racial variability in the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension subtypes and survival outcomes among children with pulmonary hypertension. Given the substantial burden of this disease, further studies to validate phenotypic differences and to understand the underlying causes of survival disparities between racial and ethnic groups are warranted.
Bacillus anthracis Virulence Regulator AtxA Binds Specifically to the pagA Promoter Region.

ABSTRACT Anthrax toxin activator (AtxA) is the master virulence gene regulator of Bacillus anthracis. It regulates genes on the chromosome as well as the pXO1 and pXO2 plasmids. It is not clear how AtxA regulates these genes, and direct binding of AtxA to its targets has not been shown. It has been previously suggested that AtxA and other proteins in the Mga/AtxA global transcriptional regulators family bind to the curvature of their DNA targets, although this has never been experimentally proven. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we demonstrate that AtxA binds directly to the promoter region of pagA upstream of the RNA polymerase binding site. We also demonstrate that in vitro, CO2 appears to have no role in AtxA binding. However, phosphomimetic and phosphoablative substitutions in the phosphotransferase system (PTS) regulation domains (PRDs) do appear to influence AtxA binding and pagA regulation. In silico, in vitro, and in vivo analyses demonstrate that one of two hypothesized stem-loops located upstream of the RNA polymerase binding site in the pagA promoter region is important for AtxA binding in vitro and pagA regulation in vivo. Our study clarifies the mechanism by which AtxA interacts with one of its targets. IMPORTANCE Anthrax toxin activator (AtxA) regulates the major virulence genes in Bacillus anthracis. The bacterium produces the anthrax toxins, and understanding the mechanism of toxin production may facilitate the development of therapeutics for B. anthracis infection. Since the discovery of AtxA 25 years ago, the mechanism by which it regulates its targets has largely remained a mystery. Here, we provide evidence that AtxA binds to the promoter region of the pagA gene encoding the main central protective antigen (PA) component of the anthrax toxin. These data suggest that AtxA binding plays a direct role in gene regulation. Our work also assists in clarifying the role of CO2 in AtxA’s gene regulation and provides more evidence for the role of AtxA phosphorylation in virulence gene regulation.
Perfect Anomalous Reflection and Refraction Accompanied by an Ideal Polarization Conversion: Potential of a Chiral Metasurface

Electrically thin layers, composed of sub-wavelength-size inclusions known as metasurfaces, are exploited to shape the wavefront of electromagnetic waves. In this work, we engineer ideal polarization rotator metasurfaces which perfectly reflects or refracts a normally illuminated electromagnetic plane wave into an anomalous direction. Our approach is based on applying boundary conditions to relate the induced electric and magnetic equivalent dipole polarizations per unit-cell to the jump of both electric and magnetic fields at the metasurface boundary, and to find the required electric and magnetic polarization densities, and finally to allocate a desired topology to achieve the aforementioned goals of anomalous scattering. We use an analytical model and demonstrate that such design realizations are achievable using metasurfaces with scatterers possessing a chiral topology.
Insights into brain metastasis: Recent advances in circulating tumor cell research.

Background How tumor cells disseminate to brain and establish brain metastasis remains partly an unsolved problem. This devastating complication of many cancers is initiated by a rare subset of the circulating tumor cells (CTCs) shed into the blood stream. Thus, the profiling of the molecular properties in these brain metastasis-initiating CTCs is essential to uncover the mechanisms underlying brain metastasis. Recent findings Important efforts to improve the enrichment and detection of CTCs enabled the detailed molecular and functional analysis of CTCs that drive brain metastasis. In this review, we highlight key findings on existing preclinical studies that provide insights toward a comprehensive picture of brain metastasis-precursors in CTCs and the potential clinical implications. Conclusion A deeper understanding of the brain metastasis precursors should help to stratify high-risk patients and improve preventive therapeutic strategies. Although all these preclinical evidences have yet to be translated into patients, they provide considerable hope to benefit patients with brain metastases in the future.
Weaponized Words: The Strategic Role of Persuasion in Violent Radicalization and Counter-Radicalization

Strengthen your understanding of the persuasive mechanisms used by terrorist groups and how they are effective in order to defeat them. Weaponized Words applies existing theories of persuasion to domains unique to this digital era, such as social media, YouTube, websites, and message boards to name but a few. Terrorists deploy a range of communication methods and harness reliable communication theories to create strategic messages that persuade peaceful individuals to join their groups and engage in violence. While explaining how they accomplish this, the book lays out a blueprint for developing counter-messages perfectly designed to conquer such violent extremism and terrorism. Using this basis in persuasion theory, a socio-scientific approach is generated to fight terrorist propaganda and the damage it causes.
Interventional sclerotherapy for cervical macrocystic lymphatic malformations in newborns

Objective To evaluate the effect of interventional sclerotherapy for cervical macrocystic lymphatic malformations in newborns.Methods The clinical data of 22 newborns with cervical macrocystic lymphatic malformations treated between July 2007 and July 2012 in Guangzhou Women and Children's Hospital were retrospectively analysed.Initial diagnosis was made based on physical examination and then confirmed by ultrasound,Computed Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging.Interventional sclerotherapy was used for the newborns under ultrasound guiding.Repeated sclerotherapy was performed for residual cystic lesions.All cases were followed-up from 6 months to 2 years and treatment effects were observed.Results Tracheal intubation was remained for 6 to 48 hours in all patients,whose intubation was removed successfully in all patients without any emergency or preventive tracheotomy.Sixteen patients were cured,six were effectively treated.Five of sixteen patients were treated twice,whereas injections were repeated four times in nine of sixteen patients and five times in two of sixteen patients.All of them suffered from light or mediate fever after the pingyangmycin injection and all cases recovered well after symptomatic treatment Conelusions Interventional sclerotherapy has the superiority in short course of treatment and minimal invasion.It is worthy of clinical application in the treatment of cervical macrocystic lymphatic malformations in newborns. Key words: Lymphatic abnormalities; Sclerotherapy; Ultrasonography
Human chromosomal-scale length variation and severity of COVID-19 infection using the UK Biobank dataset

Author(s): Toh, Chris; Brody, James | Abstract: Introduction The course of COVID-19 varies from asymptomatic to severe (acute respiratory distress, cytokine storms, and death) in patients. The basis for this range in symptoms is unknown. One possibility is that genetic variation is responsible for the highly variable response to infection. We evaluated how well a genetic risk score based on chromosome-scale length variation and machine learning classification algorithms could predict severity of response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods We compared 981 patients from the UK Biobank dataset who had a severe reaction to SARS-COV-2 infection before 27 April 2020 to a similar number of age matched patients drawn for the general UK Biobank population. For each patient, we built a profile of 88 numbers characterizing the chromosome-scale length variability of their germ line DNA. Each number represented one quarter of the 22 autosomes. We used the machine learning algorithm XGBoost to build a classifier that could predict whether a person would have a severe reaction to Covid-19 based only on their 88-number classification. Results We found that the XGBoost classifier could differentiate between the two classes at a significant level p = 2 · 10 as measured against a randomized control and p = 3 · 10 measured against the expected value of a random guessing algorithm (AUC=0.5). However, we found that the AUC of the classifier was only 0.51, too low for a clinically useful test. Conclusion
Effect of surface treatments on ALD Al2O3/4H-SiC metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors

Silicon carbide (4H) based metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors provide capabilities in high power and high temperature inaccessible to silicon. However, the performance of thermally grown oxide-based devices remains limited by oxide/semiconductor interface defects. This research employs deposited dielectrics, Al2O3, rather than thermal oxidation. Investigation of various pre-deposition processes reveals different degrees of improvements in the electronic properties. An optimum structure employs the preparation of a nitrided surface via NO annealing, a process known to passivate surface defects, a hydrogen exposure, followed by Al2O3 deposition. Inversion layer field-effect mobilities as high as 52 cm2/V s are reported in the optimum structures. Capacitance–voltage measurements and field-effect mobility characteristics indicate a trapping limited conductivity in Al2O3/4H-SiC inversion channels similar to SiO2/4H-SiC. Leakage currents and interface breakdown are also reported for various Al2O3/4H-SiC MOS structures.
Gamification of ERP Training in Local Governments

Local government organizations are actively adopting and utilizing ERP technology in their operations but often face challenges in facilitating effective use of the system. The application of gamification in employee training and education has grown in popularity in recent years and displayed its effectiveness. The case study focuses on the possibilities of improving ERP training by adapting the educational gamification concepts in the training process. Two case studies of the ERP training approaches were conducted with two local governments in Florida. Common issues such as lack of formal training and the absence of incentives or motivation for continued education with the ERP system. This case study outlines the model that can be used to design the ERP training with gamification elements. The proposed model incorporates the following gamification mechanics and dynamics elements: immediate feedback, points and leaderboards, narratives, missions, quests, competition, and compensation. The gamification elements can be included without significant investments in technology and within the local legislation’s boundaries concerning the governmental employees’ incentivization.
Socio-technical considerations for Spectrum Access System (SAS) design

Spectrum Access Systems (SAS) are emerging as a principal mechanism for managing the sharing of radio spectrum. The design of the SAS depends on the specification of spectrum property rights and the governance system by which those rights are enforced. Current perspectives on SAS design have been too limited, focusing narrowly on the technical components without adequate consideration of socio-technical factors that will impact the likely success of any SAS design. In this paper, we apply the social science literature on the management of common pool resources (CPR) to the design challenge for the SAS. Heretofore, too much of the discussion has focused on an overly simplistic characterization of the spectrum rights design space as a dichotomous choice between licensed v. unlicensed, markets v. government, and exclusive v. open. The CPR framework forces consideration of a wider class of design options, positioning the specifications of spectrum property rights more appropriately along a multi-dimensional continuum of rights bundles. The CPR framework highlights the importance of considering formal and informal, multi-layered institutional and market-based interactions among SAS stakeholders when designing a resource management system. We will explain how this leads one to view the SAS as a polycentric governance system (using the terminology in the CPR literature). By examining the economic and social context of spectrum sharing, we assert that these emerging systems must be sufficiently flexible to adapt to various forms of resource governance, which refers to the process by which rights are distributed among stakeholders, how those rights are enforced, and how the resource is managed. We illustrate how the insights from the CPR literature might be implemented in a prototype SAS architecture.
Minimizing Makespan for the Lazy Bureaucrat Problem

We study the problem of minimizing makespan for the Lazy Bureaucrat Scheduling Problem. We give a pseudopolynomial time algorithm for a preemptive scheduling problem, resolving an open problem by Arkin et al. We also extend the definition of Lazy Bureaucrat scheduling to the multiple-bureaucrat (parallel) setting, and provide pseudopolynomial-time algorithms for problems in that model.
Identifying Interesting Networks of Criminal Activity

While Electronic Records Management Systems (RMS) make it possible for investigators to quickly query large volumes of Law Enforcement (LE) data, much more can be done to effectively use police records to support investigational processes. Detectives frequently identify interesting networks of association and draw them up in link charts to help generate leads, focus investigations, and facilitate communication. A variety of multi-jurisdictional data sharing initiatives facilitate access to increasingly large data sets. Methodologies that display, analyze, or help create useful representations of criminal networks are needed to help sift through massive quantities of available associational data. This chapter discusses a model for analyzing criminal data which employs obtainable, sharable datasets in support of realistic investigational tasks, and illustrates the key issues by demonstrating how a cross-jurisdictional dataset can be used to identify a network of interesting criminal associations. Models of this kind are needed to guide the development of policies, procedures, and technical components appropriate for investigational tasks as agencies work to move beyond administrative efficiency towards investigational effectiveness.
Providing the Scaffold: A Model for Early Childhood/Primary Teacher Preparation

early childhood teacher preparation programs. Although Providing a model for early childhood teacher prepshown as separate entities, many of the elements of the aration must begin with a clear vision of a goal. Our model are interrelated. A discussion of the theories and goal is to help to prepare teachers who will be able to skills suggested by the model will be presented first, meet the needs of future generations and help these chilfollowed by an explanation of how to help students acdren work toward meeting their fullest potential as lifequire them. long learners, lifelong readers, and proficient users of
Human Subjects Research, Ethics, and Research on Children

Introduction Changing Attitudes About Research Participation Moral Assumptions Case 1 Case 2 Consensus on Informed Consent Four Different Policy Initiatives Let Surrogates Decide Using Their Own Values Nuremberg: Require Consent for All Research Only Therapeutic Research Without Subject's Consent U.S. Rules, CIOMS and Other Guidelines: Assess the Ratio of Likely Harms to Benefits Debates About Balancing Harms and Benefits Distinguishing Treatment, Prevention, and Enhancement Research to Develop Germ-Line Gene Therapies Keywords: human subjects research; ethics
A framework for ontology-based question answering with application to parasite immunology

Large quantities of biomedical data are being produced at a rapid pace for a variety of organisms. With ontologies proliferating, data is increasingly being stored using the RDF data model and queried using RDF based querying languages. While existing systems facilitate the querying in various ways, the scientist must map the question in his or her mind to the interface used by the systems. The field of natural language processing has long investigated the challenges of designing natural language based retrieval systems. Recent efforts seek to bring the ability to pose natural language questions to RDF data querying systems while leveraging the associated ontologies. These analyze the input question and extract triples (subject, relationship, object), if possible, mapping them to RDF triples in the data. However, in the biomedical context, relationships between entities are not always explicit in the question and these are often complex involving many intermediate concepts. We present a new framework, OntoNLQA, for querying RDF data annotated using ontologies which allows posing questions in natural language. OntoNLQA offers five steps in order to answer natural language questions. In comparison to previous systems, OntoNLQA differs in how some of the methods are realized. In particular, it introduces a novel approach for discovering the sophisticated semantic associations that may exist between the key terms of a natural language question, in order to build an intuitive query and retrieve precise answers. We apply this framework to the context of parasite immunology data, leading to a system called AskCuebee that allows parasitologists to pose genomic, proteomic and pathway questions in natural language related to the parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. We separately evaluate the accuracy of each component of OntoNLQA as implemented in AskCuebee and the accuracy of the whole system. AskCuebee answers 68 % of the questions in a corpus of 125 questions, and 60 % of the questions in a new previously unseen corpus. If we allow simple corrections by the scientists, this proportion increases to 92 %. We introduce a novel framework for question answering and apply it to parasite immunology data. Evaluations of translating the questions to RDF triple queries by combining machine learning, lexical similarity matching with ontology classes, properties and instances for specificity, and discovering associations between them demonstrate that the approach performs well and improves on previous systems. Subsequently, OntoNLQA offers a viable framework for building question answering systems in other biomedical domains.
A Theory of Property

1. Property and justification Part I. Property Rights and Personal Rights: 2. Understanding property 3. Persons and their bodies 4. Body rights and the constitution Part II. From Individuals to Social Context: 5. Incorporation and projection 6. Control, privacy and individuality 7. Property and moral character 8. Alienation and society Part III. Justification and Distributive Equity: 9. Utility and efficiency 10. Justice and equality 11. Labor and desert 12. Conflict and resolution Part IV. Applications: 13. Business corporations 14. Gratuitous transfers 15. A moral and political theory of takings 16. Takings and the constitution Table of cases Index of names Index of subjects.
Controlled microwave synthesis of RuII synthons and chromophores relevant to solar energy conversion

Abstract Here we describe the efficient high yield atmospheric pressure microwave-assisted synthesis for seven distinct RuII coordination complexes relevant to solar energy conversion schemes and dye sensitized solar cells. In all instances, the reaction times have been markedly shortened, concomitant with higher yields with little or no need for subsequent purification and several multi-step reactions proceeded flawlessly in a single pot. Importantly, we observed no evidence for the decarboxylation of the essential metal oxide surface-anchoring 4,4′-diethylester-2,2′-bipyridine or 4,4′-dicarboxy-2,2′-bipyridine ligands as long as open reaction vessel conditions were utilized; these functionalities are not tolerant to sealed microwave reaction (superheated solvent/pressurized) conditions. The combined results suggest that microwave-assisted chemistry is indeed a valuable tool as far as RuII coordination chemistry is concerned and can likely be applied in the combinatorial pursuit of new dyes bearing sensitive functionalities.
Selective Analysis of Secondary Amines Using Liquid Chromatography with Electrochemical Detection (LC‐EC)

In a mixture of primary and secondary aliphatic amines, the primary amines were derivatized (masked) with o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) followed by derivatization of the remaining secondary amines with ferrocenecarboxylic acid chloride (FAC). The “tagged” amines were analyzed by LC-EC (liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection) using in-series dual electrode detection. Chemically-reversible oxidation of the FAC tagged secondary amines and their subsequent complementary oxidation and reduction signals coupled with chemically-irreversible oxidation of OPA tagged primary amines provided the selectivity for quantitative secondary amine analysis. The procedure was also applied for the selective identification of fragment 4–11 (N-terminus-proline) of Substance P in the presence of other Substance P fragments with primary amino acids as their N-termini.
Fine structure of growth cones in medullary raphe nuclei in the postnatal cat.

Abstract Morphological aspects of the dynamic processes of growth cone formation and synaptogenesis have been studied in neonatal kitten (2–17 days) medullary raphe nuclei. The formation and elaboration of dendritic growth cones and primary dendritic trunks is actively taking place on the medium size class neurons (stellates) of these nuclei. The dendritic growth cones are morphologically distinctive due to their population of large dense-core vesicles and postsynaptic position. Another growth cone morphology, interpreted as axonal, is also described. This growth cone is typically found in close association or synaptic contact with the dendritic growth cones and contains, in addition to synaptic vesicles, a dense-core vesicle population distinguishable from that of the dendritic growth cone by the presence of a variety of vesicles containing an eccentrically positioned dense particle. No evidence of axo-axonic or dendrodentritic synapses has been found. Synaptogenesis was found to be occurring on somas, dendrites and dendritic growth cones throughout the medullary raphe nuclei, though this phenomenon was more apparent in indistinctly localized subnuclear spaces termed synaptogenic zones. Within these zones large class neurons are found to have greater densities of both axodendritic and axosomatic synapses than medium and small class neurons respectively. Axodendritic synaptic densities on primary and secondary dendrites of large and medium class neurons are greater than their respective axosomatic synapse densities, which may suggest that the latter forms at a later period of development.
Simultaneous-Successive Processing among College Students

The Raven's Progressive Matrices and tasks measuring memory for design, figure copying, free recall, serial recall, and digit span were ad ministered to 67 college students. Factor analytic results indicated that the first three measures loaded on a factor termed simultaneous processing while the latter three measures loaded on a successive processing factor. These results were consistent with previous research with young children indicating that these cognitive processing styles are employed by college students as well as younger students. A self-report measure of preference for simultaneous or successive cognitive processing was found to be unrelated to measured processing styles.
Effects of Diffusion on Free Precession in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Experiments

Nuclear resonance techniques involving free precession are examined, and, in particular, a convenient variation of Hahn's spin-echo method is described. This variation employs a combination of pulses of different intensity or duration ("90-degree" and "180-degree" pulses). Measurements of the transverse relaxation time ${T}_{2}$ in fluids are often severely compromised by molecular diffusion. Hahn's analysis of the effect of diffusion is reformulated and extended, and a new scheme for measuring ${T}_{2}$ is described which, as predicted by the extended theory, largely circumvents the diffusion effect. On the other hand, the free precession technique, applied in a different way, permits a direct measurement of the molecular self-diffusion constant in suitable fluids. A measurement of the self-diffusion constant of water at 25\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C is described which yields $D=2.5(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/sec, in good agreement with previous determinations. An analysis of the effect of convection on free precession is also given. A null method for measuring the longitudinal relaxation time ${T}_{1}$, based on the unequal-pulse technique, is described.
Comparison of the effects of adenosine and nifedipine in pulmonary hypertension.

Abstract The hemodynamic effects of intravenously administered adenosine, a potent vasodilator, were examined in 15 patients with pulmonary hypertension. All patients were given adenosine, 50 μg/kg per min, increased by 50 μg/kg per min at 2 min intervals to a maximum of 500 μg/kg per min or until the development of untoward side effects. The patients were then given oral nifedipine, 20 mg every hour, until a ≥20% decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance or systemic hypotension occurred. The administration of maximal doses of adenosine, 256 ± 46 μg/kg per min, produced a 2.4% reduction in pulmonary artery pressure (p = NS), a 37% decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance (p There was a significant correlation (r = 0.714, p = 0.01) between the reduction in pulmonary vascular resistance that resulted from adenosine administration and that achieved with the administration of nifedipine. Six patients had substantial reductions in pulmonary vascular resistance with adenosine but not with nifedipine. Thus, adenosine is an effective vasodilator in patients with pulmonary hypertension and can be used for safe and rapid assessment of vasodilator reserve in these patients. The ability of adenosine to reduce pulmonary vascular resistance by 37%, and its effectiveness in patients in whom nifedipine was not, suggests that the pursuit of an oral analogue of adenosine as a therapeutic agent is warranted.
Sums of the Zeros of the Single Parameter Mittag-Leffler Function With the Parameter Equal to One-Half

The sums of the powers of the reciprocals of the non-trivial (non-zero) zeros of the single parameter Mittag-Leffler function with alpha equal to one-half have been investigated. Analytical results for these sums were compared to the results from numerically summing over a billion zeros. Sums for integer powers from 3 to 10 agreed with the predictions of the analytical results but not for powers 1 and 2. The sum of the reciprocals of the zeros diverged in contrast to the analytical result and the sum of the squares of the zeros converged to a different result than predicted. This illustrates that the analytical results for polynomials cannot in general be applied to the infinite series representation of the Mittag-Leffler functions.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Cascode MOS image sensors

An MOS photodiode readout structure, providing the basis for a self-scan image sensor with a spike noise level significantly less than conventional MOS transistor scan sensors, will be discussed.
Entamoeba moshkovskii: axenic cultivation.

Abstract A technique for axenic cultivation of Entamoeba moshkovskii Chalaia, 1941, via monoxenic cultivation with Trypanosoma cruzi is described. The medium used for axenic culture, essentially similar to the liquid medium used for E. histolytica and the E. histolytica -like Laredo ameba, consisted of Trypticase, Panmede (ox-liver digest), glucose, cysteine, ascorbic acid, salts, serum, vitamins, a small quantity of agar, and gastric mucin. The last constituent was esesntial for growth. Axenic cultures could be initiated in the absence of serum or in the presence of a 1% serum concentration, but not in the presence of serum levels of 5 or 10%. Growth was better in medium containing 1% serum, than in its absence. The cultures have been in existence for 3 years.