Si3N4 emissivity and the unidentified infrared bands

Infrared spectroscopy of warm (about 150 to 750 K), dusty astronomical sources has revealed a structured emission spectrum which can be diagnostic of the composition, temperature, and in some cases, even size and shape of the grains giving rise to the observed emission. The identifications of silicate emission in oxygen rich objects and SiC in carbon rich object are two examples of this type of analysis. Cometary spectra at moderate resolution have similarly revealed silicate emission, tying together interstellar and interplanetary dust. However, Goebel has pointed out that some astronomical sources appear to contain a different type of dust which results in a qualitatively different spectral shape in the 8 to 13 micron region. The spectra shown make it appear unlikely that silicon nitride can be identified as the source of the 8 to 13 micron emission in either NGC 6572 or Nova Aql 1982. The similarity between the general wavelength and shape of the 10 micron emission from some silicates and that from the two forms of silicon nitride reported could allow a mix of cosmic grains which include some silicon nitride if only the 8 to 13 micron data are considered

Ramipril for claudication?

This ACE inhibitor can help patients with peripheral artery disease walk longer while remaining pain free

Illuminating dark matter and primordial black holes with interstellar antiprotons

Interstellar antiproton fluxes can arise from dark matter annihilating or decaying into quarks or gluons that subsequently fragment into antiprotons. Evaporation of primordial black holes also can produce a significant antiproton cosmic-ray flux. Since the background of secondary antiprotons from spallation has an interstellar energy spectrum that peaks at \sim 2\gev and falls rapidly for energies below this, low-energy measurements of cosmic antiprotons are useful in the search for exotic antiproton sources. However, measurement of the flux near the earth is challenged by significant uncertainties from the effects of the solar wind. We suggest evading this problem and more effectively probing dark-matter signals by placing an antiproton spectrometer aboard an interstellar probe currently under discussion. We address the experimental challenges of a light, low-power-consuming detector, and present an initial design of such an instrument. This experimental effort could significantly increase our ability to detect, and have confidence in, a signal of exotic, nonstandard antiproton sources. Furthermore, solar modulation effects in the heliosphere would be better quantified and understood by comparing results to inverse modulated data derived from existing balloon and space-based detectors near the earth.Comment: 18 pages, 3 figure

Report on OTHER proposals for SSPEX

The only unifying factor among the experiments discussed is that they are all unique Opportunities and/or Techniques for High-caliber Experimental Research (OTHER). Thirteen of the experiments are briefly described

Advancing Employment Equity in Alabama

This report, Advancing Employment Equity in Alabama, offers a framework to guide policymakers as they consider how to best connect residents to good jobs that pay family-sustaining wages and remove the barriers that have held back far too many for far too long. The Alabama Asset Building Coalition is prepared to be a partner in this effort and further our mission of building an economic foundation that allows underserved Alabamians to reach their highest potential and secure their financial future

An Equity Profile of Jackson

This document presents an equity analysis of Jackson, Mississippi. It was developed to support local community groups, elected officials, planners, business leaders, funders, and others working to build a stronger and more equitable city

Boosting Economic Growth in Mississippi through Employment Equity

This brief describes why employment equity is critical to Mississippi's economic future and lays out a policy roadmap toachieve employment equity. It is based on data analysis and modeling of a "full-employment economy" (defined as when everyone who wants a job can find one), which was conducted by the Program for Environmental and Regional Equity (PERE) at the University of Southern California, and on policy research and focus groups conducted by PolicyLink and the Mississippi Low-Income Child Care Initiative (MLICCI)

Advancing Employment Equity in Rural North Carolina

This brief describes why employment equity in rural North Carolina is critical to the state's economic future and lays out a policy roadmap to achieving employment equity. This roadmap is based on data analysis and modeling of a "full-employmentfor-all economy" (defined as an economy in which everyone who wants a job can find one) that was conducted by the Program for Environmental and Regional Equity (PERE) at the University of Southern California as well as policy research and focus groups conducted by PolicyLink, Rural Forward, and the North Carolina Budget and Tax Center

Women and ethnoracial minorities with poor cardiovascular health measures associated with a higher risk of developing mood disorder

BACKGROUND: Mood disorders (MDS) are a type of mental health illness that effects millions of people in the United States. Early prediction of MDS can give providers greater opportunity to treat these disorders. We hypothesized that longitudinal cardiovascular health (CVH) measurements would be informative for MDS prediction. METHODS: To test this hypothesis, the American Heart Association\u27s Guideline Advantage (TGA) dataset was used, which contained longitudinal EHR from 70 outpatient clinics. The statistical analysis and machine learning models were employed to identify the associations of the MDS and the longitudinal CVH metrics and other confounding factors. RESULTS: Patients diagnosed with MDS consistently had a higher proportion of poor CVH compared to patients without MDS, with the largest difference between groups for Body mass index (BMI) and Smoking. Race and gender were associated with status of CVH metrics. Approximate 46% female patients with MDS had a poor hemoglobin A1C compared to 44% of those without MDS; 62% of those with MDS had poor BMI compared to 47% of those without MDS; 59% of those with MDS had poor blood pressure (BP) compared to 43% of those without MDS; and 43% of those with MDS were current smokers compared to 17% of those without MDS. CONCLUSIONS: Women and ethnoracial minorities with poor cardiovascular health measures were associated with a higher risk of development of MDS, which indicated the high utility for using routine medical records data collected in care to improve detection and treatment for MDS among patients with poor CVH