cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Macrophage Activation Syndrome

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) comprises a spectrum of conditions uniformly characterized by a hyperinflammatory state with overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines. HLH may be subdivided into a primary, familial form and a secondary, acquired form. Despite their etiological diversity, both HLH subtypes are phenotypically similar with overwhelming inflammation manifested by fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and cytopenias. Lymphadenopathy, rash, and variable neurological symptoms may also be present. Inherited and acquired forms of HLH are potentially fatal if left untreated. Even with aggressive therapy, HLH is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment are essential for survival and to reduce overall morbidity. Early diagnosis, however, is often challenging due to the rarity of the disease and lack of specific clinical and laboratory features. The purpose of this chapter is to review the current understanding of the pathophysiology, presentation, evaluation, and treatment of HLH with a focus on MAS.
Attenuation of murine and human airway contraction by a peptide fragment of the cytoskeleton regulatory protein gelsolin.

We have previously reported that mice genetically deficient in the actin binding protein gelsolin exhibit impaired airway smooth muscle (ASM) relaxation. Primary cultured ASM cells from these mice ...
A block-random algorithm for learning on distributed, heterogeneous data.

Most deep learning models are based on deep neural networks with multiple layers between input and output. The parameters defining these layers are initialized using random values and are "learned" from data, typically using stochastic gradient descent based algorithms. These algorithms rely on data being randomly shuffled before optimization. The randomization of the data prior to processing in batches that is formally required for stochastic gradient descent algorithm to effectively derive a useful deep learning model is expected to be prohibitively expensive for in situ model training because of the resulting data communications across the processor nodes. We show that the stochastic gradient descent (SGD) algorithm can still make useful progress if the batches are defined on a per-processor basis and processed in random order even though (i) the batches are constructed from data samples from a single class or specific flow region, and (ii) the overall data samples are heterogeneous. We present block-random gradient descent, a new algorithm that works on distributed, heterogeneous data without having to pre-shuffle. This algorithm enables in situ learning for exascale simulations. The performance of this algorithm is demonstrated on a set of benchmark classification models and the construction of a subgrid scale large eddy simulations (LES) model for turbulent channel flow using a data model similar to that which will be encountered in exascale simulation.
Precision optomechanics with a particle in a magneto-gravitational trap

Levitated particles are attractive systems for precision optomechanics due to their extreme isolation from their environment. Here we describe several experiments with microparticles in magneto-gravitational traps, which use a combination of diamagnetism and the earth's gravity. First, the center-of-mass motion of the particle can be cooled to temperatures far below the ambient temperature using feedback. Second, the change in the frequency of oscillation of the particle under the influence of field masses can be used to measure the Newtonian gravitational constant. Finally, the fjrst steps towards producing and trapping silicon carbide microcrystals, which may contain optically-addressable defect centers, are reported.
Implications of the strain irreversibility cliff on the fabrication of particle-accelerator magnets made of restacked-rod-process Nb 3 Sn wires

The strain irreversibility cliff (SIC), marking the abrupt change of the intrinsic irreversible strain limit eirr,0 as a function of heat-treatment (HT) temperature θ in Nb3Sn superconducting wires made by the restacked-rod process (RRP®), is confirmed in various wire designs. It adds to the complexity of reconciling conflicting requirements on conductors for fabricating magnets. Those intended for the high-luminosity upgrade of the Large Hardon Collider (LHC) at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) facility require maintaining the residual resistivity ratio RRR of conductors above 150 to ensure stability of magnets against quenching. This benchmark may compromise the conductors’ mechanical integrity if their eirr,0 is within or at the bottom of SIC. In this coupled investigation of strain and RRR properties to fully assess the implications of SIC, we introduce an electro-mechanical stability criterion that takes into account both aspects. For standard-Sn billets, this requires a strikingly narrow HT temperature window that is impractical. On the other hand, reduced-Sn billets offer a significantly wider choice of θ, not only for ensuring that eirr,0 is located at the SIC plateau while RRR ≥ 150, but also for containing the strain-induced irreversible degradation of the conductor’s critical-current beyond eirr,0. This study suggests that HT of LHC magnets, made of reduced-Sn wires having a Nb/Sn ratio of 3.6 and 108/127 restacking architecture, be operated at θ in the range of 680 to 695 °C (when the dwell time is 48 hours).
Nanoparticulate Nickel-Hosting Phases in Sulfidic Environments: Effects of Ferrous Iron and Bacterial Presence on Mineral Formation Mechanism and Solid-Phase Nickel Distribution

United States Department of EnergyUnited States Department of Energy (DOE) [DOE-BES DE-FG02-06ER15786]; University of Texas at El Paso
Abstract 066: Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Synthesis Contributes to the Anti-Vascular Aging Effect of Autophagy

Diminished autophagy leads to the accumulation of debris, dysfunctional organelles, and consequently, cellular aging. Premature vascular aging occurs in hypertension. In fact, many factors that con...
Seven correlations between interpersonal violence and the progression of organised religion

While the majority of organised religions determine the origins of religion itself in an act of divine revelation, social science literature takes an evolutionary perspective. Without engaging the question of origin of religion from either perspective, this article proposes seven correlations between interpersonal violence and the progression of organised religion by suggesting that interpersonal violence plays a significant role in the institutionalising process of organised religion. Although interpersonal violence does not necessarily cause the structuring of faith, it reinforces and provides solutions to the existing patterns of threat faced by the community, which together lead to the organisation of religion. The first part of this article (stages 1–4) surveys the psychology of violence by focusing on the theories of frustration–aggression, mimetic rivalry, triangulation and the genesis of scapegoating and guilt. The second part (stages 5–6) marks the transition from personal to social psychology and surveys violence in the primitive religion, as manifested in the ritualising process of the scapegoat, and the genesis of sacrifice. The third part (stage 7) highlights the complexity of ritual, ethics and doctrine, in the evolution of religion from a primitive state to an advanced organised institution.
An automated advising system for course selection and scheduling

Less than 3/4 of freshmen at four-year institutions return for a second year; the percentage is even lower for students at two-year institutions. While the causes for such attrition are complex, inaccurate advising is clearly a contributing factor. The first author developed an expert system for advising freshmen several years ago that did not address scheduling, an important factor in advising students. In this updated version of the program, the issue of scheduling is addressed and the re-engineered system is specified. The authors described two versions, built to meet the advising criteria of two different undergraduate institutions as well as discussing the design of a general model that can be customized for the needs of other schools.
Political Primacy and MSW Students' Interest in Running for Office: What Difference Does it Make?

Although social workers are understood to participate in politics more than the general public, little is known about their interest in running for office. To understand how individuals in “helping” professions like social work may think about running for office, this study introduces the concept of political primacy. Political primacy refers to the value individuals assign to elected office’s ability to make a difference, relative to alternative ways of making a difference. Using data from the Michigan Law & Social Work Study, representing a sample of 545 MSW and 200 JD students across Michigan, political primacy was shown to significantly predict MSW students’ interest in running for office at the local level. Consequently, the more MSW students see elected office as a more effective way of making a difference than alternatives, the more interested they will be in running for office. Implications for social work education are discussed, including the socialization of social work students into politics.
Temporality in Data Science Education: Early Results from a Grounded Theory Study of an NSF-Funded CyberTraining Workshop

Interest in data science, especially within the context of graduate education, is exploding. In this study we present initial results from an ongoing qualitative study of an interdisciplinary cyberinfrastructure-focused NSF-funded graduate data science education workshop hosted at an iSchool in the US. The complexity of the workshop curriculum, the participants’ and instructors’ disparate disciplinary backgrounds, and the technical tools employed are particularly suited to qualitative methods which can synthesize all of these aspects from rich observational, ethnographic, and trace data collected as part of the authors’ role on the grant’s qualitative evaluation team. The success of the workshop in equipping participants to do reproducible computational science was in part due to the successful acculturation process, whereby participants comprehended, altered, and enacted new norms amongst themselves. At the same time, we observed potential challenges for data science instruction resulting from the rhetorical framing of the technologies as inescapably new. This language, which mirrors that of a successful grant proposal, tends to obscure the deeply embedded and contingent history of the command-line technologies required to preform computational science, many of which are decades old. We conclude by describing our ongoing work, future theoretical sampling plans from this and future data, and the contributions that our findings can provide to graduate data science curriculum development and pedagogy.
“Return to Intervention in the Life of Human Beings”: Existentialist Themes in the Development of Hegel’s Social and Political Philosophy

This chapter explores ties between Hegel’s philosophy and existentialism from three crucial perspectives: first in a comparison with key writings of the earlier pre-systematic period of Hegel’s development, where a fusion of themes with political, religious and aesthetic importance is pursued; second, as Merleau-Ponty and others have suggested, in the developing notion of experience central to the Phenomenology of Spirit; and finally in an examination of recent reconstruals of Hegel’s later systematic social philosophy, particularly the notions of agency, conscience and responsibility, which together offer a useful comparison—and potential challenge—to the claims of existentialist thinkers.
Early life stress dysregulates kappa opioid receptor signaling within the lateral habenula

Abstract The lateral habenula (LHb) is an epithalamic brain region associated with value-based decision making and stress evasion through its modulation of dopamine (DA)-mediated reward circuitry. Specifically, increased activity of the LHb is associated with drug addiction, schizophrenia and stress-related disorders such as depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. Dynorphin (Dyn)/Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) signaling is a mediator of stress response in reward circuitry. Previously, we have shown that maternal deprivation (MD), a severe early life stress, increases LHb spontaneous neuronal activity and intrinsic excitability while blunting the response of LHb neurons to extrahypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling, another stress mediator. CRF pathways also interact with Dyn/KOR signaling. Surprisingly, there has been little study of direct KOR regulation of the LHb despite its distinct role in stress, reward and aversion processing. To test the functional role of Dyn/KOR signaling in the LHb, we utilized ex-vivo electrophysiology combined with pharmacological tools in rat LHb slices. We show that activation of KORs by a KOR agonist (U50,488) exerted differential effects on the excitability of two distinct sub-populations of LHb neurons that differed in their expression of hyperpolarization-activated cation currents (HCN, Ih). Specifically, KOR stimulation increased neuronal excitability in LHb neurons with large Ih currents (Ih+) while decreasing neuronal excitability in small/negative Ih (Ih-) neurons. We found that an intact fast-synaptic transmission was required for the effects of U50,488 on the excitability of both Ih- and Ih+ LHb neuronal subpopulations. While AMPAR-, GABAAR-, or NMDAR-mediated synaptic transmission alone was sufficient to mediate the effects of U50,488 on excitability of Ih- neurons, either GABAAR- or NMDAR-mediated synaptic transmission could mediate these effects in Ih+ neurons. Consistently, KOR activation also altered both glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission where stimulation of presynaptic KORs uniformly suppressed glutamate release onto LHb neurons while primarily decreased or in some cases increased GABA release. We also found that MD significantly increased immunolabeled Dyn (the endogenous KOR agonist) labeling in neuronal fibers in LHb while significantly decreasing mRNA levels of KORs in LHb tissues compared to those from non-maternally deprived (non-MD) control rats. Moreover, the U50,488-mediated increase in LHb neuronal firing observed in non-MD rats was absent following MD. Altogether, this is the first demonstration of the existence of functional Dyn/KOR signaling in the LHb that can be modulated in response to severe early life stressors such as MD.
Patterns and Results of Triage Advice Before Emergency Department Visits Made by Patients With Cancer.

PURPOSE:Patients with cancer undergoing treatment frequently visit the emergency department (ED) for commonly anticipated complaints (eg, pain, nausea, and vomiting). Nearly all Medicare Oncology C...
Treatment of In-Stent Stenosis Following Flow Diversion of Intracranial Aneurysms with Cilostazol and Clopidogrel

In-stent stenosis is a feared complication of flow diversion treatment for cerebral aneurysms. We present 2 cases of patients treated with pipeline flow diversion for unruptured cerebral aneurysms. Initial perioperative dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) consisted of standard aspirin plus clopidogrel. At 6-month follow-up cerebral angiography, the patients were noted to have developed significant in-stent stenosis (63% and 53%). The patients were treated with cilostazol and clopidogrel for at least 6 months. Subsequent angiography at 1-year post-treatment showed significant improvement of the in-stent stenosis from 63% to 34% and 53% to 21%. The role of cilostazol as treatment of intracranial in-stent stenosis has not been previously described. Cilostazol's vasodilatory effect and suppression of vascular smooth muscle proliferation provides ideal benefits in this setting. Cilostazol plus clopidogrel may be a safe and effective alternative to standard DAPT for treatment of in-stent stenosis following flow diversion and warrants further consideration and investigation.
30-dB broadband phase-sensitive amplification in integrated lithium niobate

We demonstrate a phase-sensitive amplifier i n t hin-film pe riodically poled lithium niobate with 30 dB gain, capable of amplifying 35-fs pulses at 2 µm using less than 2 pJ of pump energy.
What the Supreme Court Thinks of the Press and Why It Matters

Over the last fifty years, in cases involving the institutional press, the United States Supreme Court has offered characterizations of the purpose, duty, role, and value of the press in a democracy. An examination of the tone and quality of these characterizations over time suggests a downward trend, with largely favorable and praising characterizations of the press devolving into characterizations that are more distrusting and disparaging. This Essay explores this trend, setting forth evidence of the Court’s changing view of the media — from the effusively complimentary depictions of the media during the Glory Days of the 1960s and 1970s to the more skeptical, tepid, or derogatory portrayals in recent years. It considers possible causes of this change in rhetoric and then explores the potential First Amendment consequences of the change. The Essay argues that there is a very real risk that these trends could lead to the impoverishment of a wider array of First Amendment rights. Because the jurisprudential pattern has long suggested that general speakers and press speakers rise and fall together, wider First Amendment values that have been enhanced in U.S. Supreme Court cases brought by the positively characterized media could be diminished as the Court’s view of the media diminishes. The downward trend in press characterizations may therefore be cause for broader concern about the vitality and stability of First Amendment rights.
Combined SLAP repair and biceps tenodesis for superior labral anterior–posterior tears

Purpose Long-head biceps tenodesis has been suggested as an alternative to superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) repair. However, an unrepaired superior labral tear may increase glenohumeral translation, and thus, labral repair may be considered in the setting of biceps tenodesis. Methods Patients who underwent tenodesis, SLAP repair, or combined tenodesis and labral repair for SLAP tears were included. The indication for combined tenodesis and labral repair was biceps tendonitis in the setting of a SLAP lesion with labral instability. Demographics, range of motion, return to work, return to sport, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores, and visual analogue pain scale (VAS) scores were recorded. Results Eighty-six patients were included: 18 underwent combined tenodesis and labral repair, 45 underwent SLAP repair alone, and 23 underwent tenodesis alone. There were no significant differences in rates of return to pre-operative level of play (n.s.) or return to full duties at work (n.s.). These groups differed significantly in ASES scores (p = 0.015) and VAS scores (p = 0.019) with combined tenodesis and labral repair patients having lower scores than patients undergoing either tenodesis or SLAP repair alone. A subgroup analysis of patients who did not have Worker's Compensation claims demonstrated similar results with significant differences in ASES scores, which were lowest among the combined tenodesis and labral repair cohort (p = 0.045). Conclusions High-demand patients with biceps tendonitis in the setting of a SLAP lesion with labral instability who undergo combined tenodesis and SLAP repair have significantly worse outcomes than patients who undergo either isolated labral repair for type II SLAP tears or isolated biceps tenodesis for a SLAP tear and biceps tendonitis. Level of evidence Treatment, Level III.
A Critique of Technocentrism in Thinking About the School of the Future

Publisher Summary The presence of computers and other new technologies in learning will play a determining role in the way that both technology and culture evolve in the coming generation. The future of computer could be made in many different forms. It will be determined not by the nature of the technology, but by a host of decisions of individual human beings. Thinking of the future as an information age certainly focuses on some exciting new developments. There is more access to more information than there has ever been before. But, there is also a dangerous side to it from an educator's point of view—the danger of seeing the most important aspect of education as the provider of information or even the provider of access to information. The chapter presents a critique of technocentrism in thinking about the school of the future. The author has coined the word technocentrism from Piaget's use of the word egocentrism. Technocentrism is the fallacy of referring all questions to the technology. Questions regarding whether technology have this or that effect, whether using computers to teach mathematics increases children's skill at arithmetic, or whether it will encourage children to be lazy about adding numbers because calculators can do it, reflect technocentric thinking. The issues about how to use the computer in education reflect deeper issues of educational theory and philosophy.
Quasi-Analytical method for estimating low false alarm rate

This paper proposes a new approach for estimating low false alarm rate (FAR) using Quasi-Analytical (QA) method. The results from both theoretical analysis and simulation show that QA estimation is unbiased with obvious simulation speed improvement with respect to Monte Carlo (MC) and Conventional Importance Sampling (IS) for typical application cases. Furthermore, unlike IS approaches that rely on complex optimization procedures for optimal IS parameters or sub optimal parameters, the QA is simple to implement and computationally effective.
Concurrent Error Detection in Sequential Circuits Using Convolutional Codes

Concurrent error detection schemes in digital systems are often based upon error-detecting codes. In [9], we presented a methodology for encoding the states of sequential machines using convolutional codes for on-line detection of sequencing errors. In conjunction with this methodology, we defined an equivalence relation on convolutional codes that exhaustively characterizes the possible transient error detection capabilities and complexities of sequential machine realizations based upon convolutional codes. In this paper, we determine the number of equivalence classes of (n, k, 1) convolutional codes generated by minimal encoders requiring k memory elements and provide a procedure for generating representatives from each equivalence class.
Et spectra for √3 = 31 A-GeV light ion collisions at the CERN-ISR: Data and analysis

Preliminary transverse energy (Et) cross-sections for p-α, α-α, and d-d collisions measured with the Axial Field Spectrometer hadronic calorimeter are presented. The spectra from these three light ion systems are compared with p-p spectra at the same √s, using the Wounded Nucleon Model. We find that the data are well described by this ‘participant’ model. Although the Et spectra approach or exceed the p-p kinematic limit for all three systems, no evidence for any anomalous behavior is found. Circularity studies show no signs of significant jet production in any of the spectra, even at the highest values of Et. We also apply our model to neutral energy data from the BCMOR collaboration at the ISR. Finally, we discuss modifications to the Wounded Nucleon Model.
Phase I Trial of Oral Green Tea Extract in Adult Patients With Solid Tumors

PURPOSE: This trial was designed to determine the maximum-tolerated dose, toxicity, and pharmacology of oral green tea extract (GTE) once daily or three times daily. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cohorts of three or more adult cancer patients were administered oral GTE with water after meals one or three times daily for 4 weeks, to a maximum of 6 months, depending on disease response and patient tolerance. Pharmacokinetic analyses were encouraged but optional. RESULTS: Dose levels of 0.5 to 5.05 g/m2 qd and 1.0 to 2.2 g/m2 tid were explored. A total of 49 patients were studied. Patient characteristics: median age, 57 years (range, 27 to 77 years); 23 patients were women (47%); 98% had a Zubrod PS of 1%; 98% had PS of 1; and 21 had non–small-cell lung, 19 had head & neck cancer, three had mesothelioma, and six had other. Mild to moderate toxicities were seen at most dose levels and promptly reversed on discontinuation of GTE. Dose-limiting toxicities were caffeine related and included neurologic and gastrointestin...
CH4‐CO2 replacement in hydrate‐bearing sediments: A pore‐scale study

The injection of CO2 into CH4 hydrate-bearing sediments causes the release of CH4 and the formation of CO2 hydrate within the CH4 hydrate stability field. CH4-CO2 replacement allows for the recovery of an energy source, CH4, while trapping CO2. In this study, we monitor pore-scale changes in electrical resistance and relative stiffness during CH4 hydrate formation, CH4-CO2 replacement, and hydrate dissociation; experiments are also observed using high-resolution time-lapsed photography. Results show that CH4-CO2 replacement occurs locally and gradually so that the overall hydrate mass remains solid and no stiffness loss should be expected at the sediment scale. Other experimental results confirm the slow diffusion of CH4 through the hydrate shell that forms between water and gas; this may allow for the coexistence of gas-hydrate-water phases for long periods of time.
Morphine inhibits transcriptional activation of IL-2 in mouse thymocytes.

Abstract Chronic treatment of mice with morphine affects the proliferation, differentiation, and function of immune cells. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism by which morphine inhibits phytohemagglutinin (PHA)/interleukin-1 (IL-1)-induced thymocyte proliferation. When compared to control cultures, morphine-treated thymocytes showed decreased steady-state levels of bioactive IL-2 and IL-2 mRNA. The reduced IL-2 concentration and reduced transcript levels correlated well with a decreased rate of synthesis of IL-2 mRNA as determined by nuclear runoff assays. Subsequent studies showed that morphine treatment affected transcriptional control elements of the IL-2 promoter by inhibiting the synthesis of a specific trans -activating nuclear factor, c-Fos. c-Fos mRNA levels measured by semiquantitative RT–PCR were significantly decreased in thymocytes following treatment with morphine and activation with PHA and IL-1. Under identical conditions, c-Jun mRNA levels were not altered. Electrophoretic mobility shift studies with the AP-1 consensus oligonucleotide showed significantly decreased levels of AP-1–protein complex formation in nuclear extracts prepared from morphine-treated cells. These studies demonstrate for the first time that opioid alkaloids such as morphine can impair mitogen–lymphokine-activated thymocyte proliferation by interfering with transcriptional activation of the IL-2 gene.
Neutron light output response and resolution functions in EJ-309 liquid scintillation detectors

Abstract Neutron light output response functions and detector resolution functions were measured at Ohio University's tandem Van de Graaff generator for three cylindrical EJ-309 liquid scintillator cells, having dimensions 12.7 ( ∅ )-by-12.7, 7.6-by-7.6, and 7.6-by-5.1 cm. A 7.44 MeV deuteron beam was used on an 27Al target generating a continuous spectrum over the energy range from a few hundred keV to over 10 MeV. The light output response functions are determined using an exponential fit. Detector resolution functions are obtained for the 12.7-by-12.7 and 7.6-by-7.6 cm detectors. It is demonstrated that the dependence on detector size is important for the light output response functions, but not to the same extent for the resolution function, even when photomultiplier tubes, detector material, and other detector characteristics are carefully matched.
MO‐D‐M100J‐05: Robust Optimization to Accommodate Effects of Systematic Treatment Uncertainties

Uncertainties in the precise locations of tumor voxels are inherent for a variety of reasons. It is therefore desirable to take those uncertainties into account, and further, to derive treatment planning methodologies that directly utilize information (e.g. probability distributions or actual trajectories) about the location of the target, including spatial uncertainties, so that resulting treatment plans exhibit normal tissue dose reduction, and potentially higher tumor doses. Two novel robust approaches are investigated. 1)Under‐dose probability(UDP) estimates the probability of the tumor receiving a dose less than a user‐defined critical dose. It can be modeled using linear mixed‐integer programming techniques. 2)Probability dose generation(PDG) designs treatment plans in which the probability of a voxel located in a target is factored during the dose generation process. Utilizing 4D‐CT scans of lung/liver cancer patients during different breathing phases(phases 0–9, 0:full‐inhale, 5:full‐exhale), four treatment planning strategies are compared. 1)Standard planning with a static PTV based on a single selected phase (control). 2)The Internal Target Volume (ITV) approach, where ITV is defined as the union of CTVs in all breathing phases. 3)Plans obtained with UDP. 4)Plans obtained via PDG. Sophisticated computational optimization techniques are used to solve each of these models. Compared to Standard and ITV plans, UDP and PDG plans offer good coverage, comparable min‐PTV‐dose, improved PTV‐conformity, and higher PTV‐dose. In addition, in lung, PDG reduces normal‐lung‐mean‐dose by 13% and heart‐mean‐dose by 20%; and UDP reduces esophagus‐mean‐dose by 70% and heart‐mean‐dose by 49%. In liver, PDG reduces normal‐liver‐ mean‐dose by 8% and other‐normal‐tissue‐mean‐dose by 26%, whereas UDP reduces normal‐liver‐mean‐dose by 10%, both with improved PTV‐conformity of 7%. Thus, the UDP and PDG approaches can result in treatment plans of increased robustness, they allow a reduction in mean dose to organs‐at‐risk and normal tissue, and in some cases, deliver higher dose to the tumor volume.
Large-area, high-speed patterning of carbon nanotubes using material-assisted excimer laser photoablation

Large-area patterning of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using a nonlithographic process is demonstrated. Projection imaging with deep ultraviolet radiation from 248 nm KrF excimer laser and material-assisted photoablation were used to pattern the CNTs. A matrix of CNTs dissolved in a DMF solution was deposited on a silicon wafer by spin coating, followed by coating of photodefinable polyimide on the CNTs. The CNTs and the polyimide layer were simultaneously patterned by the excimer laser projection photoablation process. Even though CNTs cannot be directly photoablated by low-fluence excimer laser radiation, simultaneous patterning of the illuminated CNT-polyimide combination region occurred due to the physical force of dissociated fragments of polyimide layer. We have demonstrated clean, large-area patterning of CNTs on 100 mm diameter Si wafers. Additionally, this patterning process is economical and provides higher throughput compared with conventional methods.
Initial results from the coupled magnetosphere ionosphere thermosphere model: magnetospheric and ionospheric responses

Abstract The Center for Integrated Space Weather Modeling (CISM) is developing a simulation package of the coupled Sun–Earth system by connecting existing models within each region. The Coupled Magnetosphere Ionosphere Thermosphere (CMIT) model combines the Lyon–Fedder–Mobarry global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) magnetospheric (LFM) model with the Thermosphere Ionosphere Nested Grid (TING) model. The LFM uses the ideal MHD equations to model the interaction between the magnetospheric plasma and the solar wind. It includes the magnetosphere–ionosphere interaction by requiring the conservation of current flowing between the magnetosphere and a two dimensional ionosphere. TING is a three dimensional code designed to simulate the thermosphere–ionosphere system by solving the mass, momentum, and thermodynamic energy equations for the global thermosphere and ionosphere. Normally, TING uses parameterized models to describe the magnetospheric input into the ionosphere. We begin this paper with a description of how the TING model is used to replace the simple two dimensional ionosphere within the LFM to produce the CISM CMIT Model. The results from the coupled model for a series of steady IMF conditions are compared with the results from the LFM to show that these models have been successfully combined. The problem of high cross polar cap potentials remains, but the structure of the magnetosphere is not dramatically altered by the coupling and the ionospheric conductances show a more realistic distribution driven by EUV radiation as well as a more clearly defined auroral oval.
Effects of varying child-teacher ratio and group size on day care children's and teachers' behavior.

An abbreviated version of a paper submitted to the Journal in July 1978, and prepared while the first author was in the Department of Child Development and Family Relations, University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The study was supported in part by a Title XX Special Projects Grant to the North Carolina Training Center for Infant-Toddler Care.
Information processing style and decision making

Information processing style, often termed cognitive style, has gained prominence in the organizational behavior literature as researchers use it as a basis for studying decision making behavior, conflict, strategy development, and group processes. However, the many operational definitions and measures of cognitive style have produced inconsistent and confusing results. This study tested the interrelationship among four measures of this construct: the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator, the Group Embedded Figures Test, the Learning Styles Inventory, and the Decision Style Inventory. Measures that appeared to be conceptually linked through their underlying theories were compared. Results indicate that the various measures are not strongly interrelated and appear to be measuring different aspects of information processing and decision making. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diabetes mellitus followed by Addison's disease and hypothyroidism, simulating panhypopituitarism.

IN 1938 Bloomfield (1) reported a unique, unequivocal case of coincidental diabetes mellitus and Addison's disease. The same case again appeared in the literature in 1944, when Armstrong (2) reported the effect of testosterone on this patient's condition. Since the last report, the clinical picture of hypothyroidism in this patient became more striking, and finally a diagnosis of panhypopituitarism was made. The present paper will summarize briefly the clinical course and interval history since last reported, and present the autopsy findings. CASE HISTORY A 35-year-old American electrician first entered Stanford University Hospital, April 18, 1938, complaining of weakness and weight loss of 18 pounds in two months. One sister died of diabetes mellitus at the age of 18 years, and a niece at the age of 3 years. The rest of the family history was not pertinent. In March of 1938, there was a sudden appearance of increased thirst and polyuria. At this time physical examination of the patient was not remarkable...
Trade liberalization, unemployment, and inequality with endogenous job destruction

Abstract In a two sector extension of the Mortensen–Pissarides model of endogenous job destruction, it is shown that trade liberalization increases both job creation and job destruction in the import competing sector and reduces them in the export sector. Since trade liberalization increases unemployment in the import competing sector and reduces it in the export sector, the impact on economy wide unemployment is ambiguous. While job destruction increases upon impact in the import competing sector, there is no immediate decrease in job destruction in the export sector leading to short term spikes in the net job destruction and unemployment rates in response to trade liberalization. Trade liberalization increases intersectoral wage inequality, however, intra-sectoral wage inequality increases in the export sector but decreases in the import competing sector. Finally, a more generous unemployment benefit increases the responsiveness of job destruction to trade liberalization.
Chemical method of filling carbon nanotubes with magnetic material

Abstract A versatile chemical method is used to fill multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with magnetic material. The process appears to open up tips of 100% of MWCNTs that are observed but the filling yield is rather low. The filling yield improved greatly by introducing metal chelating polymer, chitosan, in the nanotubes. Mossbauer measurements of the filled MWCNTs suggest the presence of magnetic and non-magnetic phases of Fe nanoparticles. The hyperfine magnetic field of the magnetic phase increased from its room temperature value of 182–251 kOe at 20 K.
Socio-Cultural Influences of Society on Knowledge Construction

This study examined the socio-cultural influences of a society on promoting or constraining knowledge construction practice in a local administrative learning community. Findings show that socio-cultural factors such as hierarchical structure, economic reform, and traditional Chinese culture shape knowledge construction. The implications of this study for knowledge management are: The hierarchical structure allows knowledge to flow easily from the top to the bottom, but does not leave much room for grassroots knowledge to be developed, shared and circulated. Cultural norms such as saving face constrain people's choices of learning and knowledge sharing. Economic reform has resulted in fierce competition and introduced non-linear and decentralized management structure, which encourages creativity and high individual autonomy, and breaks the fixed pattern of circulating knowledge from the top to the bottom. However, fierce competition also prevents people from sharing knowledge with others, especially the tacit knowledge which is gained from experience.
Nutritional evaluation of high-digestible sorghum for pigs and broiler chicks

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the nutritional quality of 2 varieties of Purdue high-digestible sorghum (PHD1 and PHD2) and a normal sorghum, compared with corn, in diets of pigs and broiler chicks. In Exp. 1, 12 pigs (average BW, 55 kg) fitted with ileal T-cannula were fed 4 diets containing 946 g of corn or sorghum (PHD1, PHD2, and normal) per kg in a 2-period crossover design (i.e., each pig received 2 diets over a 2-wk period with 6 pigs per dietary treatment) to determine apparent ileal or total tract digestibility of nutrients and energy. There was no difference in the ileal or total tract digestibility of DM, energy, P, Ca, or N among dietary treatments. In Exp. 2, a total of 192 broiler chicks were grouped by weight into 8 blocks of 4 cages each with 6 chicks per cage, and cages were assigned randomly to 1 of the 4 dietary treatments within each block. Chicks were fed corn-soybean meal (SBM) or sorghum-SBM diets for 21 d to determine apparent total tract retention and then switched to diets containing 935 g of the corresponding corn or 1 of the 3 sorghum varieties per kg for 7 d to determine apparent ileal digestibility and total tract retention. Apparent ileal digestibilities of DM and P, as well as energy, were not different in chicks fed diets containing 935 g of corn or 1 of the 3 sorghum varieties per kg. However, apparent total tract retention of DM, energy, and N in chicks fed corn was greater (P < 0.05) than those fed 1 of the 3 sorghum varieties. Although the apparent ME content of corn was greater than PHD1 and normal sorghum (P < 0.01), it was not different from PHD2 sorghum. There was no difference in apparent total tract retention of DM between chicks fed the corn-SBM and PHD-SBM diets, but it was greater (P < 0.05) in chicks fed the corn-SBM diet than those fed the normal sorghum-SBM diet. Apparent total tract retention of N in chicks fed the PHD1-SBM diet was lower (P < 0.05) than in those fed the corn-SBM diet but greater (P < 0.05) than in chicks fed the normal sorghum-SBM meal diet. No difference in the apparent ME content between the corn-SBM and PHD2-SBM diets was observed, but it was greater (P < 0.05) for the corn-SBM diet than the PHD1- or normal sorghum-SBM diet. Weight gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency were not different in chicks fed the corn-SBM or sorghum-SBM diets. Sorghum could serve as a substitute for corn in cereal grain-SBM diets for pigs and broiler chicks.
A Solid State Control and Logic System for Beam Handling and Ion Optics External to the NRL Isochronous Cyclotron

As the capability of isochronous cyclotrons increases, and the requirements of the experimentalist become more sophisticated, the problems of beam handling and transport become more complex and demanding. At the NRL Isochronous Cyclotron Facility, these problems have been solved by using solid state OR, AND, NOR, and NAND logic wherever possible. Initial beam path selection is through a select-safe circuit which allows only one of 15 beam paths to be energized. After selection, it cannot be accidentally shut down. Diode, diode-transistor, and transistor-resistor logic have been used for all beam handling and transport devices, and for light and readout switching. These circuits use diode matrices to control voltage, resistor matrices to mix currents, and transistors as switches. Defective lamps are determined by a circuit which allows all lights in the control room to be tested simultaneously by pushing one button. Plug in boards and relays, quick change indicators, 90-pin connectors, and miniature terminal strips are used to facilitate trouble shooting and programming. A portable mock-up of the control console was produced for circuit test purposes, for on site operation of a beam handling device, and as a training device for new operators.
Monitoring Field Lift Thickness Using Compaction Equipment Instrumented with Global Positioning System (GPS) Technology

When constructing earthen embankments, it is essential that the soil be placed and spread in uniform lifts prior to compaction. To ensure that the resulting soil lifts are evenly compacted, typical compaction specification approaches place restrictions on the thickness that is acceptable for each soil lift. In current practice, it can be extremely difficult for a field inspector to verify that lift thickness requirements are being met when soil is being placed and spread over a large area, without the use of frequent surveying (which adds both costs and delays to earthwork projects). Recent advances in compaction control include the development of continuous compaction control (CCC) and intelligent compaction (IC) systems, which provide real-time monitoring and feedback about the operation and performance of soil compaction. Typically, CCC and IC compaction equipment is outfitted with a real-time kinematic global positioning system (RTK-GPS) that monitors and records the position of the compacter as the soil lift is being compacted. This paper suggests that geotechnical engineers use field RTK-GPS measurements that are made by CCC or IC equipment to monitor and control the thickness of compacted soil lifts. Data collected from a full-scale field study is used to illustrate the practical issues with using GPS measurements for field monitoring of lift thickness during construction of a roadway embankment, such as varying roller position from lift-to-lift and the measurement uncertainty associated with RTK-GPS measurement data. The use of both simple and sophisticated spatial analysis techniques are explored for interpolating measured field elevation data onto a uniform grid for lift thickness assessment. The resulting methodology that is presented can be utilized to build spatial maps of compacted soil lift thickness, a process that can be used to great benefit by field engineers who are trying to ensure the quality of compacted soil lifts.
A strategic response to Friedman's critique of business ethics

Purpose – This paper is designed to provide a practical response to the question of “why be ethical in business” framed around the classic critique of business ethics and corporate social responsibility penned by Milton Friedman.Design/methodology/approach – The primary method is logical reasoning along the following line: Social Environment – > Ethical Norms – > Legal (and especially future legal requirements or consequences). While Friedman argues that the key is to focus on current legal requirements this paper argues that strategic advantages are gained by being ethical and going beyond legal requirements since a firm insulates itself from changes that can result in new or even retroactive legal requirements.Findings – Based on its reasoning the paper argues that acting ethically can serve as a form of insurance or a “strategic shock absorber” for firms. Examples are cited.Practical implications – The problems of Enron and other firms have increased attention on the role of business ethics. However, s...
Randomized response technique in a National Survey.

Abstract The randomized response technique was used in the 1973 National Survey of Family Growth to produce estimates of the number of women having abortions during a 12-month period in the conterminous United States. The model applied used two unrelated questions in separate half-samples, with a coin as the randomizing device. While the technique resulted in a higher estimate for the number of women with abortions than has previously been obtained through direct questions or reporting systems, it also yielded divergent estimates of abortion from the two half-samples. Possible causes for this divergence are discussed.
A Picture and a Thousand Words: Visual Scaffolding for Mobile Communication in Developing Regions

Mobile communication is a key enabler for economic, social, and political change in developing regions of the world. This paper describes IBM Picture Discussions, which is a mobile social computing application framework designed to facilitate local information sharing in regions with sparse Internet connectivity, low literacy rates, and having users with little prior experience with information technology. IBM Picture Discussions runs on today's internet-enabled smartphones as well as camera phones with multimedia messaging. In this paper, the authors argue that engaging citizens in developing regions in information creation and information sharing leverages peoples' existing social networks to facilitate transmission of critical information, exchange of ideas, and distributed problem solving. All of these activities can support economic development.
Flow of information in the light-triggered cyclic nucleotide cascade of vision.

Abstract Photolyzed rhodopsin catalyzes the exchange of GTP for FDP bound to a protein in retinal rod outer segments. We previously proposed that the GTP complex of this protein regulates the cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase and that it may be the first amplified intermediate in visual excitation [Fung, B. K.-K. & Stryer, L. (1980) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77, 2500-2504]. We report here the identification and characterization of transducin, a regulatory protein consisting of three kinds of polypeptide chains: T alpha (39 kilodaltons), T beta (36 kilodaltons), and T gamma (approximately 10 kilodaltons). Reconstituted membranes containing transducin and rhodopsin but no phosphodiesterase exhibit GTPase activity and amplified binding of guanosine 5'[beta, gamma-imido]triphosphate (p[NH]ppG), a nonhydrolyzable analog of GTP, on illumination. A single photolyzed rhodopsin molecule led to the uptake of p[NH]ppG by 71 molecules of transducin. High-pressure liquid chromatography showed that the binding site for GTP is on the alpha subunit of transducin. The isolation of the complex of ;[NH]ppG with T alpha enabled us to determine whether this species is the activator of the phosphodiesterase. We found that phosphodiesterase on unilluminated disc membranes can indeed be fully activated by addition of T alpha containing bound p[NH]ppG. These findings strongly suggest that transducin is the first amplified information-carrying intermediate in the cyclic nucleotide cascade of vision.