cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Future of Retirement Security

Publisher Summary Social Security is important to any discussion of the future of retirement security in the US because so many people depend on this program for a substantial fraction of their retirement income. This chapter focuses on recent developments relevant to the future of retirement security and particularly public pension policy. Recent trends in the US are discussed, as are developments in several other countries, some of which have potential relevance for future pension policy debates in the US. A focus throughout is on efforts to privatize pension programs in the US and in other countries, which often turn out to be part of a more general effort aimed at welfare state retrenchment. The most important international public pension policy trend in recent years is the shift toward less dependence on PAYG-DB schemes and greater dependence on multi-pillar schemes that include a funded defined contribution (FDC) pillar. One of the goals of the FDC accounts was to protect pension tax contributions from the political risks of benefit cuts during periods of fiscal crisis, a goal that clearly was not realized in connection with the 2001 crisis. Pension policymakers generally turn to the NDC model when confronted with serious budgetary pressure linked to unsustainable PAYG-DB pension schemes. The NDC model has some potential benefits relative to the PAYG-DB alternative and other benefits relative to the FDC alternative, but like any pension model it has its own limitations as well.
A benzodiazepine hypnotic facilitates adaptation of circadian rhythms and sleep-wake homeostasis to an eight hour delay shift simulating westward jet lag.

Study objectives To determine whether appropriately timed administration of a short-acting benzodiazepine hypnotic, which has proven effective in an animal model of jet lag, also facilitates adaptation of circadian rhythmicity and sleep-wake homeostasis in a human model of jet lag. Design Subjects participated in two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of adaptation to an 8-hr delay shift of sleep-wake and dark-light cycles simulating westward travel. Each 9-day laboratory study began with a 3-day habituation period followed by a 24-hr study to obtain basal hormonal and sleep profiles (23:00-07:00). Subjects were then kept awake until 07:00 the next day and slept in darkness 07:00-15:00 for the next five 24-hr spans post-shift. Setting N/A. Participants 6 normal, healthy men 24-31 years of age. Interventions Oral Triazolam (0.5 mg) or placebo given at 04:00 before the first shifted sleep/dark period (3 hours before bedtime) and at 07:00 (at bedtime) on days 2-5 post-shift. Measurements and results Sleep recordings and 24-hr cortisol and growth hormone profiles were obtained at baseline and on the first, third, and fifth days post-shift. Global measures of treatment efficacy were calculated for multiple endpoints representing circadian rhythmicity and sleep-wake homeostasis. With placebo, the shift induced disturbances of sleep and hormonal secretion, and a gradual re-entrainment of circadian rhythmicity. Triazolam significantly facilitated adaptation by accelerating re-entrainment of circadian rhythms (chronobiotic effect) and normalizing markers of sleep/wake homeostasis (hypnotic effect). Conclusions Appropriately timed administration of a benzodiazepine hypnotic appears to facilitate the adaptation of both circadian rhythmicity and sleep-wake homeostasis to a shifted dark/sleep cycle. Compounds with combined chronobiotic/hypnotic properties may be useful in conditions of jet lag or night work.
Recognizing Gestures with Ambient Light

There is growing interest in the research community to develop techniques for humans to communicate with the computing that is embedding into our environments. Researchers are exploring various modalities, such as radio-frequency signals, to develop gesture recognition systems. We explore another modality, namely ambient light, and develop LiGest, an ambient light based gesture recognition system. The idea behind LiGest is that when a user performs different gestures, the user's shadows move in distinct patterns. LiGest captures these patterns using a grid of floor-based light sensors and then builds training models to recognize unknown shadow samples. We design a prototype for LiGest and evaluate it across multiple users, positions, orientations and lighting conditions. Our results show that LiGest achieves an average accuracy of 96.36%.
Behind the interface: Human moderation for deliberative engagement in an eRulemaking discussion

Abstract RegulationRoom was an online discussion platform designed to help stakeholders historically missing from the conventional rulemaking processes, such as ordinary citizens and small businesses, engage in thoughtful and informed discussion about a proposed rule. To achieve the goal, RegulationRoom adopted a neutrally engaged and expertise-based facilatative moderation system. The RegulationRoom modertor helped commenters better understand the topic, engage in the discussion more effectively, consider opposing views, and substantiate their own comments. In this study, employing social network analysis (SNA), I analyzed one discussion hosted by RegulationRoom on a debt collection policy. I used crosscutting interaction between different interest groups as a proxy indicator to measure deliberativeness. The results showed that the RegulationRoom moderator played a pivotal role in facilitating active discussion, encouraging both within-group and between-group (crosscutting) interactions. Further research needs to be done to illuminate what moderation strategies are most effective in encouraging crosscutting interaction, how the quality of comments (or participation) is improved, and what roles the moderator plays in the process. RegulationRoom also showed that the diffusion of social innovation is not so much a matter of technological progress alone as of social, cultural, and organizational change, both inside and outside the rulemaking context.
Quick-and-Dirty Item Response Theory

Item Response Theory (IRT) has proven useful in physics education research to examine the validity of concept tests (e.g., Refs. 1-3) and online homework (e.g. Refs. 4-6), yet as a tool for the improvement of physics instruction (particularly exams), it is oftentimes perceived as a) mysterious, b) unjustified, and c) impractical. This article aims to debunk some of those prejudices and provide a quick-and-dirty guide; it does not do any justice to the associated psychometric theories (see for example the classic Ref. 7).
A Lassa Fever Live-Attenuated Vaccine Based on Codon Deoptimization of the Viral Glycoprotein Gene

Lassa virus (LASV) is endemic in Western Africa and is estimated to infect hundreds of thousands of individuals annually. A considerable number of these infections result in Lassa fever (LF), which is associated with significant morbidity and a case-fatality rate as high as 69% among hospitalized confirmed patients. U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved LF vaccines are not available. Current antiviral treatment is limited to off-label use of a nucleoside analogue, ribavirin, that is only partially effective and associated with significant side effects. We generated and characterized a recombinant LASV expressing a codon-deoptimized (CD) glycoprotein precursor gene (GPC), rLASV-GPC/CD. Comparison of growth kinetics and peak titers showed that rLASV-GPC/CD is slightly attenuated in cell culture compared to wild-type (WT) recombinant LASV (rLASV-WT). However, rLASV-GPC/CD is highly attenuated in strain 13 and Hartley guinea pigs, as reflected by the absence of detectable clinical signs in animals inoculated with rLASV-GPC/CD. Importantly, a single subcutaneous dose of rLASV-GPC/CD provides complete protection against an otherwise lethal exposure to LASV. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of implementing a CD approach for developing a safe and effective LASV live-attenuated vaccine candidate. Moreover, rLASV-GPC/CD might provide investigators with a tool to safely study LASV outside maximum (biosafety level 4) containment, which could accelerate the elucidation of basic aspects of the molecular and cell biology of LASV and the development of novel LASV medical countermeasures.IMPORTANCE Lassa virus (LASV) infects several hundred thousand people in Western Africa, resulting in many lethal Lassa fever (LF) cases. Licensed LF vaccines are not available, and anti-LF therapy is limited to off-label use of the nucleoside analog ribavirin with uncertain efficacy. We describe the generation of a novel live-attenuated LASV vaccine candidate. This vaccine candidate is based on mutating wild-type (WT) LASV in a key region of the viral genome, the glycoprotein precursor (GPC) gene. These mutations do not change the encoded GPC but interfere with its production in host cells. This mutated LASV (rLASV-GPC/CD) behaves like WT LASV (rLASV-WT) in cell culture, but in contrast to rLASV-WT, does not cause disease in inoculated guinea pigs. Guinea pigs immunized with rLASV-GPC/CD were protected against an otherwise lethal exposure to WT LASV. Our results support the testing of this candidate vaccine in nonhuman primate models ofLF.
Multi-level, multi-variate, non-stationary, random field modeling and fragility analysis of engineering systems

Abstract Engineering systems can often be represented considering models at multiple levels. Different properties within each level are typically inhomogeneous in space and cross-correlated, while properties of different levels are physically dependent on each other. In addition, system properties usually vary in time due to effects of external environmental conditions. Current analysis techniques cannot model the spatially inhomogeneous, intra-level correlated, inter-level dependent, and temporally varying system properties. This paper proposes a random field-based formulation for the modeling of engineering systems that overcome the limitation. To consider the inhomogeneous spatial variability and intra-level correlation, we propose a multi-variate non-stationary random field formulation. To consider the inter-level dependency, we propose a multi-level formulation that considers lower-level properties as regressors in the random field of higher-level properties. To consider the temporal variability, we use a state-dependent model that enables the updating of the multi-level random fields over time. As a special case, the paper shows that the proposed formulation can be used in system fragility analysis, considering capacities and demands, and fragilities as levels. The paper implements the proposed formulation in the modeling of a deteriorating transportation system considering six different levels. The first three levels are defined by state variables at different scales, while the last three levels are defined by bridge capacities and demands, bridge fragilities, and network fragilities. The results are significantly different from those obtained by using non-random field models.
Civil-Military Relations: Control and Effectiveness Across Regimes

The effectiveness of a military and its ability to successfully meet the needs of the state remains an integral part of political systems. Thomas C. Bruneau and Aurel Croissant embark on a thorough...
Mindfulness as Attention Training: Meta-Analyses on the Links Between Attention Performance and Mindfulness Interventions, Long-Term Meditation Practice, and Trait Mindfulness

To examine whether mindfulness training is associated with changes in objective attention performance. Three meta-analyses were conducted: (a) a meta-analysis comparing the effects of mindfulness interventions with those of control treatments (109 effect sizes from 40 studies); (b) a meta-analysis comparing attention performance of long-term meditators with that of meditation-naive participants (59 effect sizes from 18 studies); and (c) a meta-analysis comparing correlations between trait mindfulness and attention (197 effect sizes from 28 studies). Average effect sizes were significant (Hedges’ g = 0.29 for intervention studies, 0.32 for long-term meditation practice; r between trait mindfulness and attention = 0.12). All three analyses found significant effects on inhibition/executive control. Two out of the three analyses showed significant effects on updating and sustained attention. Shifting yielded significant effects only for interventions. Effects were larger for accuracy than for speed. Within intervention studies, focused attention led to significant effects, but inclusion of a yoga component decreased effects significantly. Number of sessions was positively related to attention performance. In long-term meditators, type of meditation practiced did not significantly moderate the effect size. Within trait mindfulness studies, only unidimensional measures and measures of acting with awareness yielded an average correlation that was significantly different from zero. Mindfulness training as an intervention and a long-term practice is indeed associated with reliable changes in objective attention performance. The finding that this is also true for trait mindfulness suggests that mindfulness is a key mechanism.
Advances in the cyberbullying literature: theory-based interventions

Abstract Cyberbullying perpetration and victimization have emerged as an important topic of study. With the goal of reducing cybervictimization, scientists have made great strides in uncovering the theoretical postulates germane to the prediction of cyberbullying perpetration. Indeed, intervention work can be enhanced to better reduce cyberbullying perpetration—and subsequent cybervictimization—if theory can guide such intervention efforts. In the current chapter we discuss the importance of theory in predicting cyberbullying before outlining several social psychological, sociological, and communication-based theories that have been applied to intervention curricula to reduce cyberbullying. Here, we delve into the theory, curriculum, and validation of myriad cyberbullying interventions. Our aim is to demonstrate how quality interventions can be derived from theory to reduce cyberbullying perpetration with an overarching goal of promoting theory.
An Intelligent System to Analyze Sketched Solutions to Open-Ended Truss Problems

Engineering students need practical, open-ended problems to help them build their problem-solving skills and design abilities. However, large class sizes create a grading challenge for instructors as there is simply not enough time nor support to provide adequate feedback on many design problems. In this work, we describe an intelligent user interface to provide automated real-time feedback on hand-drawn free body diagrams that is capable of analyzing the internal forces of a sketched truss to evaluate open-ended design problems. The system is driven by sketch recognition algorithms developed for recognizing trusses and a robust linear algebra approach for analyzing trusses. Students in an introductory statics course were assigned a truss design problem as a homework assignment using either paper or our software. We used conventional content analysis on four focus groups totaling 16 students to identify key aspects of their experiences with the design problem and our software. We found that the software correctly analyzed all student submissions, students enjoyed the problem compared to typical homework assignments, and students found the problem to be good practice. Additionally, students using our software reported less difficulty understanding the problem, and the majority of all students said they would prefer the software approach over pencil and paper. We also evaluated the recognition performance on a set of 3000 sketches resulting in an f-score of 0.997. We manually reviewed the submitted student work which showed the handful of student complaints about recognition were largely due to user error.
Hurricane Katrina, Infrastructure Deficit and the Costs of Climate Change

At 6:10 am on Monday, August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall. Wind speed had dipped slightly although it was still at a destructive force of 145 mph. The resultant storm surge overwhelmed some of the levees that protected New Orleans. It was not a “natural” disaster. The disaster that befell New Orleans was neither inevitable nor unavoidable. This chapter identifies three interconnected structural flaws: the nature of human–environment relations that ignore the risk of obvious environmental hazards and denied climate change; the decline of a belief in big government that leads to the infrastructure deficit; and a disaster response system with limited concern for the weakest members of the national community.
Supplementing transportation data sources with targeted marketing data: Applications, integration, and internal validation

Abstract Unlike many third-party data sources, targeted marketing (TM) data constitute holistic datasets, with disaggregate variables – ranging from socioeconomic and demographic characteristics to attitudes, propensities, and behaviors – available for most individuals in the population. These qualities, along with ease of accessibility and relatively low acquisition costs, make TM data an attractive source for the supplementation of traditional transportation survey data, which are facing growing threats to quality. This paper develops a typology demonstrating ways in which TM data can aid in the design of transport studies, as well as in the augmentation of modeling efforts and policy scenarios, allowing for improved understanding and forecasting of travel-related attributes. However, challenges associated with integrating, validating, and understanding TM variables have resulted in only a few transportation studies that have used these data thus far. In this paper, we provide a transportation discipline-specific resource for TM data, informed by our integration of an extensive TM database with both the National Household Travel Survey (Georgia subset) and a statewide travel behavior survey conducted in Georgia on behalf of the Georgia Department of Transportation. Using the resultant datasets, we validate TM data by means of several approaches, and find that the TM dataset reports gender, age, tenure, race, marital status, and household size with match rates ranging from 70% to 90% relative to both transportation surveys. However, we also identify biases in favor of population segments that may have more longstanding financial/transactional records (e.g., males, homeowners, non-minorities, and older individuals), biases comparable but not identical to those of survey data. While this work suggests wide-ranging implications for the use of TM data in transportation, we caution that flexible and responsible approaches to using these data are critical for staying abreast of evolving privacy regulations that govern third-party data sources such as these.
Low-Input Whole-Genome Bisulfite Sequencing

DNA methylation can regulate gene expression by modulating chromatin accessibility and transcription factor binding on promoter and enhancer regions. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) represents the most informative and comprehensive analysis to profile the DNA methylation status of all the cytosines at single-base resolution. However, most of the available protocols recommend an amount of input DNA (50 ng-5μg) that makes the WGBS unsuitable for limited samples and cell populations. In this chapter, we provide complete protocol to perform WGBS libraries from very low-input DNA. This protocol is recommended for the analysis of the whole-genome DNA methylation pattern in rare cell populations, like a defined stem cell population isolated from animal models or human samples.
Effect of W-Ti target composition on the surface chemistry and electronic structure of WO 3 -TiO 2 films made by reactive sputtering

Abstract Tungsten–titanium (W–Ti) mixed oxide thin films were fabricated using reactive sputtering of W–Ti alloy targets with Ti content ranging from 0 to 30 wt%. The effect of target composition on film structure, surface/interface chemistry and chemical valence state of the W and Ti cations was investigated in detail. All films were amorphous in nature as confirmed by X-ray diffraction analyses. For growth times of 1 h, the thicknesses of the W–Ti–O films decreased significantly from 150 to 35 nm with increasing Ti content in the target, confirming that the oxide film growth behavior is dependent on the sputter-target composition. The chemistry and composition of the films probed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirms the existence of W and Ti in their highest oxidation states of 6+ and 4+, respectively. Quantification of binding energy shifts for W and Ti core-level transitions confirms the formation of WO 3 –TiO 2 composite oxide films. Depth profiles confirm and validate film uniformity, as well as film thickness differences and variable oxidation behavior of W and Ti in the films.
Molecular genetic underpinnings of self-control: 5-HTTLPR and self-control in a sample of inmates

Abstract Purpose Several studies now show that self-control, as proposed by Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990), is at least moderately heritable. Studies of molecular genetic variation related to serotonergic function suggest that the heritability of self-control may be explained, in part, by the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism. Methods The current research tests the association between the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and self-control as measured by the Grasmick et al. (1993) scale. Analyses were based on a sample of incarcerated males and considered the effect of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism on the full self-control scale as well as the specific dimensions of self-control. Results The s/s genotype interacted with abuse to predict increases in overall self-control, preference for simple tasks and physical activity. Relative to the s/l genotype, the l/l genotype, which has been linked to psychopathy, was directly associated with more self-centeredness. Conclusions Results show that molecular genetic variation related to serotonergic function plays a role in the heritability of self-control. Variation in the association between 5-HTTLPR genotype and the distinct dimensions of self-control, while consistent with recent literature (see Yildirim & Derksen, 2013), indicates that self-control as originally presented by Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) is not a unitary construct.
Protein structure analysis by mass spectrometry.

Publisher Summary Innovations in mass spectrometry (MS) have greatly advanced the ability to sequence and study the structures of proteins. In particular, protein analysis strategies have greatly benefited from the introduction of electrospray ionization. This chapter discusses peptide and protein analysis by mass spectrometry and instrumentation and strategies, employing tandem mass spectrometers are described. Significant instrumental improvements in both cost and performance are to be expected as several types of mass spectrometers reach a level of refinement that permits commercial versions to be introduced. Ion trap mass spectrometers are increasingly used for the analysis of biomolecules, with greater sensitivity and mass resolution, than quadrupole mass spectrometers. Sequence information for peptides can now be obtained on reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometers and improvements in the ability to scan the reflectron voltages are expected. Improvements in surface-induced dissociation (SID) have been achieved, by coating metal surfaces, with self-assembled monolayers, greatly increasing the efficiency of fragment ion recovery from the surface. In addition, fragment ions have been observed in SID studies of peptides that allow the differentiation of leucine and isoleucine on quadrupole-type mass spectrometers. These developments ensure that mass spectrometry continues to have a significant role in biological research.
Cytoplasmic Crystalline Inclusions in the Hepatocytes of Alcoholics

Non-membrane bound cytoplasmic crystalline inclusions were found in the liver cells of two alcoholics. The inclusions varied in size, shape, and internal structure. They were found in cells which also contained mitochondria with crystalline inclusions. The cytoplasmic crystals found in alcoholic liver cells are similar to inclusions previously observed in liver and kidney cells under a variety of conditions. Morphological evidence suggests that the alcoholic inclusions are composed of phospholipid and/or protein. The significance of these crystalline inclusions is not yet apparent.
Variable structure control for uncertain discrete singular system with structured perturbation and time-delay

The variable structure control problems for a class of time-delay discrete uncertain singular systems with structured perturbation were studied. A new switching function with a difference compensator is designed, which guarantees that movement of the system is asymptotically stable in a quasi-switching manifold, then a variable structure controller is designed, which can force the system trajectory to enter into a small neighborhood of the quasi-switching manifold in limited steps and be convergent to a small chattering in the neighborhood. Finally, a numerical example was given to demonstrate the effectiveness and practicability of the design method.
A qualitative investigation of factors enabling sustained use of online health communities

The duration of consumers’ use of an online health community directly impacts their health outcomes. However, little is known about factors enabling sustained use. Using survey methods, this study found that referral from trusted others, useful content, and large, diverse, and supportive community environment is associated with continuous use of online health communities. Implications for designing web-based health communities and interventions were discussed.
Acute migraine: treating early.

Key to effective management of an acute migraine attack is early recognition and early treatment.
Critical heat flux predictions in rod bundles

The prediction of critical heat flux (CHF) in rod bundles has been studied with both subchannel and bundle-average methods. The correlations of Biasi, Bowring, CISE-4, and Barnett were considered. The General Electric 9-rod bundle CHF data were used in the comparisons. Calculations were performed by the two-fluid subchannel code THERMIT-2. The results indicate that the subchannel method yields more conservative CHF predictions than the bundleaverage method. This is attributed to the two-phase turbulent mixing phenomenon in the bundle, which can be modeled only on a subchannel basis. The results also indicate that the CISE-4 correlation had the smallest error in prediction of transition boiling for both subchannel and bundle-average methods.
Self-replicating Technologies and the Challenge for the Patent and Antitrust Laws

Few patented inventions challenge the traditional boundaries of the patent and antitrust laws like those that are capable of multiplying as they are used. These self-replicating technologies are embedded in our food, fortify our vaccines, and form the computer code upon which the information age is based. These inventions create an inherent conflict between patentees and their customers. The conflict arises because every customer could become competitors as the product replicates, potentially making every first sale the patentee’s last. They also challenge how we think about fundamental issues of ownership as well as innovation and market competition, and make it necessary to identify what downstream uses are or should be permissible. This struggle culminated recently in the Supreme Court case of Bowman v. Monsanto. There, the Court had to determine what rights a farmer had over the genetically modified seeds he had bought. At the core of Bowman v. Monsanto was the scope of patent exhaustion, a judge-made doctrine designed to end the patent owner’s control over downstream commerce once its patented goods or methods were sold. Monsanto had also been accused of monopolizing the market, leading to upward spiraling prices and a drought of seed varieties. The Article examines the patent and antitrust issues arising in agro-biotechnology, and analyzes their impact on other self-replicating technologies. In looking at patent issues, this Article first explains how courts can apply a technology-neutral three-step test to distinguish between permissible “uses” and impermissible “making” of patented articles. Second, it explores the benefits of five alternatives to patent infringement as a means of appropriating returns to innovation, and explains why their limitations vindicate the Court’s conclusion in Bowman v. Monsanto. Third, it discusses thorny matters left unresolved: inadvertent and incidental infringement, as well as the “conditional sale” doctrine. In looking at the antitrust issues, the Article first explains why the controversial essential facilities doctrine could prove to be a useful tool for courts to ensure adequate access to standard essential patents over traits like Roundup Ready. Second, it explains why Monsanto’s win over Bowman may hold unexpected promise of a better future for farmers as its customers. Third, it argues that legislation similar to Paragraph IV challenges under the Hatch-Waxman Act can serve to incentivize greater competition in agro-biotechnology and other fields of technology.
Middleware integration and deployment strategies for cyberinfrastructures

Virtual Organizations require infrastructure that meets their scientific needs. Traditionally, a VO can require access to computational backends that are suited for interactive applications, various levels of parallelism or highly distributed systems where users can contribute their own cycles. In this paper, we present a middleware integration and deployment strategy that builds a VO architecture which offers various computational tiers. The architecture offers interactive, real-time backends, batch operated small scale computational clusters, batch operated large scale remote supercomputers, and a wide area peer-to-peer network. All these middleware components are integrated into a cohesive system that accesses production resources and serves the nanotechnology community. We also present a middleware integration that meets the educational needs of the VO by integrating a course management system into the VO's portal.
Experimental Venezuelan, equine encephalomyelitis virus infection of the bovine.

Abstract Two groups of four dairy cows (Bos taurus) were infected subcutaneously with the epizootic Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus (VEE) strains MF-8 and San Pelayo, respectively. Animals experienced no clinical illness, but all developed significant neutropenia. Virus was recovered once each from the blood of three animals but did not exceed 102.2 SMICLD50 (Suckling mouse intracerebral lethal dose50)/ml. Specific neutralizing antibodies appeared in the serum of all animals, but there were no significant differences in titers against different naturally occurring VEE subtypes. Dairy cattle thus appear to play no role in virus transmission during VEE epizootics but may serve as retrospective immunological sentinels of virus activity.
High-Performance vNIC Framework for Hypervisor-Based NFV with Userspace vSwitch

We propose a high-performance virtual network interface card framework for hypervisor-based NFV with user space virtual switch. We extend the virtio-net framework to achieve high-performance I/O and to provide DPDK-compatible APIs for a DPDK-enabled NFV app on a guest hypervisor-based VM with DPDK-enabled user space vSwitch. The framework provides a device status tracking mechanism between DPDK-enabled NFV app and a vSwitch as well as service maintenance supports such as reboot and restart of a guest VM or in a vSwitch in order to increase flexibility and agility in a carrier network operation for NFV. The vNIC archived over-120-Gbps throughput and over-14.2-MPPS I/O processing.
Layout and optics for the RHIC electron cooler

As part of a luminosity upgrade it is planned to add an electron cooling section to the RHIC accelerator. Existing electron coolers operate at low beam energies and use a continuous electron stream. The ion energy of 100 GeV/u in RHIC requires an electron energy of 55 MeV. Therefore the RHIC cooler uses a linac with energy recovery for the electron acceleration. Short bunches exiting the linac section are stretched longitudinally to reduce the momentum charge and space charge effects in the cooling section, and compressed afterwards for deceleration and energy recovery in the linac. This report describes the design of the electron beam transport and simulation results.
Optimal design for water conservation and energy savings using green roofs in a green building under mixed uncertainties

Abstract Most water conservation and energy saving strategies for residential homes and commercial buildings have higher initial capital investment than traditional ones. Yet, the added benefits of these “green” building strategies should outweigh the increase of initial capital cost at the end of the house lifetime. Using green roof systems to cool houses gives rise to uncertainties from local precipitation patterns and the unstable market related costs and benefits. The optimal area of green roof to balance cost, benefit, and risk remains unknown. To achieve such a complex systems analysis, a grey stochastic programming model was prepared to address the optimal design strategies under mixed uncertainties. Such a cost-benefit-risk trade-off model was formulated for this study through an optimization framework to retrieve the optimal design strategies with respect to a typical Florida residential home (shingle and metal roofs). It is particularly designed to synergistically integrate a green roof with beneficial reuse of gray water and stormwater while achieving some degree of energy savings. The study identifies the optimal green roof area that keeps within the cost of a conventional home over a specific life time, such as 50 years. Research findings show that as the reliability level associated with the chance constraint was decreased, the upper bound of the green roof area did not vary much for either shingle or metal roofs. The lower bound was found to decrease in the same situation, however, due to the higher minimum cost of the cistern in relation to the greater volume of expected rainfall, forcing the required green roof area to decrease.
Na+,K(+)-ATPase in the choroid plexus. Regulation by serotonin/protein kinase C pathway.

In the choroid plexus, the ion pump Na+,K+-ATPase regulates the production of cerebrospinal fluid. We now report that incubation of choroid plexus with an activator of protein kinase C, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate, strongly stimulates the phosphorylation of Na+,K+-ATPase and inhibits its activity. Similar effects were obtained with serotonin, which in the choroid plexus stimulates phosphoinositide turnover, thereby activating protein kinase C. Serotonin (10 μM) increased by about 10-fold the amount of phosphorylated Na+,K+-ATPase and significantly reduced its activity. Two-dimensional peptide mapping showed comigration of Na+,K+-ATPase phosphorylated by either phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate or serotonin in intact cells and by protein kinase C in vitro. These results demonstrate that first messengers can regulate the activity of Na+,K+-ATPase through a mechanism involving protein phosphorylation. Moreover, they provide a plausible mechanism for the demonstrated ability of serotonin to decrease cerebrospinal fluid production.
Using nanoparticle-filled microcapsules for site-specific healing of damaged Substrates: creating a "repair-and-go" system.

Using a hybrid computational approach, we simulate the behavior of nanoparticle-filled microcapsules that are propelled by an imposed shear to move over a substrate, which encompasses a microscopic crack. When the microcapsules become localized in the crack, the nanoparticles can penetrate the capsule’s shell to bind to and fill the damaged region. Initially focusing on a simple shear flow, we isolate conditions where the microcapsules become arrested in the cracks and those where the capsules enter the cracks for a finite time but are driven to leave this region by the imposed flow. We also characterize the particle deposition process for these two scenarios, showing that the deposition is greater for the arrested capsules. We then determine the effect of utilizing a pulsatile shear flow and show that this flow field can lead to an effective “repair-and-go” system where the microcarriers not only deliver a high volume fraction of particles into the crack but also leave the fissure and, thus, can potentia...
Effects of phase constituents/microstructure of thermally grown oxide on the failure of EB-PVD thermal barrier coating with NiCoCrAlY bond coat

Abstract A correlation among thermal cycling lifetime, bond coat surface preparation, phase constituents and microstructure of thermally grown oxide (TGO) was examined for electron beam physical vapor deposited (EB-PVD) thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) consisting of ZrO 2 –7 wt.% Y 2 O 3 (YSZ) ceramic topcoat, NiCoCrAlY bond coats and CMSX-4 superalloy. Variation in the bond coat surface is characterized based on surface roughness modification and pre-oxidation (1100 °C at P O 2 of 10 − 8 atm up to 4 h) carried out prior to YSZ deposition by EB-PVD. TBC specimens with pre-oxidized bond coats exhibited longer lifetimes than those without pre-oxidation, especially for metallographically polished bond coats. Given a surface roughness of NiCoCrAlY bond coats, TBC lifetime was observed to increase with an increase in the amount of α-Al 2 O 3 in the initial thermally grown oxide (TGO) scale, which was detected by photostimulated luminescence (PL). Using focused ion beam in-situ lift out technique (FIB-INLO), site-specific preparation of thermally cycled TBC specimens for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was successfully carried out. In addition to the presence of α-Al 2 O 3 , a small particulate phase identified as cubic Y 2 O 3 was observed within the TGO scale by electron diffraction analysis on TEM.
Effect of grain size and temperature on fatigue crack propagation in A533 B steel

Abstract Crack growth-rate tests were performed in a medium-strength pressure vessel steel, A533 B, which had been annealed to produce materials with widely varying prior austenite grain sizes. Testing was at two temperatures, normal room temperature and liquid nitrogen temperature, both on the lower shelf of the material's Charpy energy curve. Results show that both grain size and temperature influence quasibrittle crack growth, mainly through their effect on KIc'. The threshold and power law region of the da/dN vs ΔK plot seem relatively uneffected while the upper limiting ΔK is shifted extensively. The data is presented and compared with that already published.
Inhibition of the 3' → 5' exonuclease of human DNA polymerase ε by fludarabine-terminated DNA

Incorporation of the anticancer drug fludarabine (9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl-2-fluoroadenine 5'-monophosphate; F-ara-AMP) into the 3'-end of DNA during replication causes termination of DNA strand elongation and is strongly correlated with loss of clonogenicity. Because the proofreading mechanisms that remove 3'-F-ara-AMP from DNA represent a possible means of resistance to the drug, the present study investigated the excision of incorporated F-ara-AMP from DNA by the 3' --> 5'-exonuclease activity of DNA polymerase epsilon from human leukemia CEM cells. Using the drug-containing and normal deoxynucleotide oligomers (21-base) annealed to M13mp18(+) DNA as the excision substrates, we demonstrated that DNA polymerase epsilon was unable to effectively remove F-ara-AMP from the 3'-end of the oligomer. However, 3'-terminal dAMP and subsequently other deoxynucleotides were readily excised from DNA in a distributive fashion. Kinetic evaluation demonstrated that although DNA polymerase epsilon has a higher affinity for F-ara-AMP-terminated DNA (Km = 7.1 pM) than for dAMP-terminated DNA of otherwise identical sequence (Km = 265 pM), excision of F-ara-AMP proceeded at a substantially slower rate (Vmax = 0.053 pmol/min/mg) than for 3'-terminal dAMP (Vmax = 1.96 pmol/min/mg). When the 3'-5' phosphodiester bond between F-ara-AMP at the 3'-terminus and the adjacent normal deoxynucleotide was cleaved by DNA polymerase epsilon, the reaction products appeared to remain associated with the enzyme but without the formation of a covalent bond. No further excision of the remaining oligomers was observed after the addition of fresh DNA polymerase epsilon to the reaction. Furthermore, the addition of DNA polymerase alpha and deoxynucleoside triphosphates to the excision reaction failed to extend the oligomers. After DNA polymerase epsilon had been incubated with 3'-F-ara-AMP-21-mer for 10 min, the enzyme was no longer able to excise 3'-terminal dAMP from a freshly added normal 21-mer annealed to M13mp18(+) template. We conclude that the 3' --> 5' exonuclease of human DNA polymerase epsilon can remove 3'-terminal F-ara-AMP from DNA with difficulty and that this excision results in a mechanism-mediated formation of "dead end complex."
Single-flow electron motion in a magnetized coaxial diode

Summary form only given. The Brillouin flow equilibrium is one of the most widespread models of electrons drifting around cathodes in crossed radial electric and axial magnetic fields. In this present work we describe electron flow with non-crossed trajectories of electrons with azimuthal and axial velocities, with full space charge of electrons taken into account, unlike another popular model that is a two-flow model of space charge fields. We consider the single-stream model, which is generalized Brillouin flow that can be used for consideration of the operating characteristics of many devices where space charge is very important, as, for example, in relativistic magnetrons, magnetically insulated linear oscillators (MILOs), and coaxial transmission lines. In the consideration, the self-azimuthal and-longitudinal magnetic fields of electrons moving along spiral trajectories are included in addition to the applied magnetic field. We obtained analytic solutions for electron flow with non-crossed trajectories around the cylindrical cathode whose surface is not intercepted by magnetic field lines and which include the radial structure of space charge, self-electric and - magnetic fields, and velocity distribution accounting for the screening of self-magnetic fields of short pulse drifting electrons by the metallic boundary condition of the vacuum transport channel and including relativistic velocities. In the derivation we followed the basic considerations in. In particular, we found a condition for magnetic insulation including the case when there is no externally applied axial magnetic field (as is the case for the MILO). In addition, we identified the condition of synchronism of the electron flow with the electromagnetic wave, similar to the Buneman-Hartree condition in magnetrons and the condition of synchronism in MILOs.
You Will Never Forget: Narrative, Bereavement, and Worldview among Kwanga Women

Several recent works focus on the way people use cultural beliefs to cope with traumatic events by transforming "dysphoria" into "meaning" and turning "unorganized and disorganizing private distress" into public forms that can be mastered (Kleinman and Good 1985:16, 31; see also Good et. al. 1992; Kleinman 1988; Obeyesekere 1985, 1990). Keyes, for example, says that intense emotional or physical pain challenges people's sense of themselves as beings who can "escape suffering through means at the disposal of mere mortals" (1985:164-165). But, he continues, individuals are not generally led to "an appraisal of [their] place in the world as being profoundly helpless," or to "an extraordinary fall in self-esteem" because they turn to cultural and religious texts that give suffering new meaning (1985:158). In the case of bereavement, cultural beliefs restore the bereaved to a positive sense of self by such means as recreating a relationship with the deceased as a spirit-being (see also Maschio 1992) and as readjusting social relations with the living to make up for the loss of the deceased. Religious beliefs also make pain less threatening by giving suffering
The identification of a new metabolite of phencyclidine.

Abstract A new metabolite of phencyclidine, formed in incubation mixtures of rabbit liver preparations and phencyclidine, has been identified as N-(5-hydroxypentyl)-1-phenylcyclohexylamine (I). This compound could result from the reduction of an aldehyde generated by α-carbon hydroxylation of the piperidine ring of phencyclidine. The identification is based on comparison of gas chromatographic and mass spectral properties of metabolite with synthetic material.
Insulin hypersensitivity following the administration of desoxycorticosterone acetate.

The administration of adrenal cortical hormone inhibits or prevents the release of pituitary adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) which normally follows subjection of an animal to noxious agents or stressful conditions (Ingle, 1938; Sayers and Sayers, 1947). It has been demonstrated that cortical steroids with an oxygen on Cn as well as those of the desoxy type have an inhibitory action upon pituitary adrenocorticotrophic activity. Since these two major types of cortical steroids appear to be qualitatively distinct in their metabolic actions, one group influencing protein and carbohydrate metabolism and the other group electrolyte metabolism, it has been suggested that the cortical steroids act directly on the adenohypophysis rather than indirectly through some product of their metabolic action or through their deficiency (Sayers and Sayers, 1947). A necessary corollary of this “direct action” hypothesis is the following: Administration of desoxycorticosterone acetate (DCA), by inhibiting the adrenocortico...
Lattice Thermal Conductivity of a Neutron-Irradiated Copper-Aluminum Alloy,

Low-temperature thermal-conductivity results are presented on two Cu +9-at.%-Al polycrystals which show that fast-neutron irradiation has two effects on a coldworked sample of this alloy. In the well-annealed specimen, irradiation produced defects which scatter long-wavelength phonons, giving a well-defined ${T}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ contribution to the lattice thermal resistivity. Observations by other authors using electron microscopy suggest that the defects are planar-vacancy-generated dislocation loops 75-100 \AA{} in diameter. The loop density is calculated from the thermal resistivity and is found to be in reasonable agreement with the electron-microscopy results. In the second sample, deformed in tension at room temperature and then annealed at 573\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K prior to irradiation, the same irradiation treatment produced a contribution to the lattice resistivity which was similar in temperature dependence but larger, by a factor of 3, than that produced in the well-annealed specimen. A model for this effect is suggested, based on two distinct contributions to the radiation-produced thermal resistivity: (i) dislocation loops of similar size and concentration as in the well-annealed sample; (ii) reformation of solute atmospheres around dislocations. These atmospheres had been thermally dispersed by annealing; their reformation is due to enhanced solute diffusion resulting from a large vacancy concentration produced by irradiation. The work of Mitchell et al. has shown that solute atmospheres in Cu+10 at.% Al enhances phonon scattering by dislocations.