cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Micro- to Nano-scale Structure and Drug Release Behavior of Solutions and Hydrogels of Poly (lactide)-Poly (ethylene oxide)-Poly (lactide) Triblock Copolymers

We have performed for the first time a complete structural characterization of PLA-PEO-PLA in the solution and hydrogel states. Previous studies on hydrogels of these polymers have shown that these gels have excellent mechanical properties suitable for possible application in tissue engineering and drug delivery. We have performed SANS, USAXS and confocal microscopy to relate the change in micro to nano scale self-assembled structure of these polymers in aqueous solution with changes in the block length and stereospecificity of the PLA block. A significant difference in structure and association behavior was seen between the polymers made from amorphous D/L-lactide as compared to those with crystalline L lactide blocks. In the former case spherical micelles were seen to form whereas the latter forms nonspherical polydisperse micellar assemblies. Both polymers form an associative network structure at higher concentrations, leading to gelation. USAXS and confocal microscopy show the presence of large-scale fractal aggregates in the hydrogels of these polymers. The fractal structure was denser for the L lactide series polymers as compared to the D/L-lactide series polymers. These results show that we can tune the microstructure and thereby the mechanical strength of these gels depending upon the specific application we need it for. We also show profiles for release of hydrophobic drug sulindac from 5 weight% solutions of these polymers in phosphate buffer saline. The profiles follows an almost zero order release behavior that continues slowly and steadily over several days and is again found to be strongly dependent on the crystallinity and molecular weight of the PLA block.
The Relationship between "Age of Entry" and Achievement of 13-Year-Olds

implementation of pedagogical and psychological issues which promote the learning of mathematics seem here to get more attention than the development, through appropriate rigor and content at those stages of mental development where mathematical concepts, skills, and abstractions are to be developed, of genuine mathematical maturity. The observations presented in this paper are intended to reinforce one current important and relevant educational fact. Unless more significant data becomes available on how young people learn mathematical abstracts or abstract mathematical concepts and ideas, findings produced by national and international comparative studies on achievement yield little, if any, meaningful, useful and realistic information. To the author they will only continue to reinforce the opinion that comparative studies evoke one interesting desire, and this is not to compare.
Varying Anionic Functional Group Density in Sulfonate-Functionalized Polyfluorenes by a One-Phase Suzuki Polycondensation

A series of anionically functionalized polyfluorene-based conjugated polyelectrolytes were synthesized by the Suzuki polycondensation of the boronic ester 2,7-bis(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-9,9-di(1-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl)fluorene with the ionic and nonionic dihalides 2,7-dibromo-9,9-di(6-sodium sulfonate-hexyl)fluorene and 2,7-dibromo-9,9-di(1-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl)fluorene. The latter monomer served as a diluent to control the ionic functional group density. The use of the triethylene glycol monomethyl ether derivatives made possible a one-phase polycondensation in a THF/methanol/Na2CO3(aq) mixture using Pd(PPh3)4. The one-phase nature of the polymerization was essential to balancing the reactivity of the dihalides so that they were both incorporated into the same polymer and so that the polymer composition became dictated by the monomer feedstock composition. In closely related two-phase reactions, a mixture of polymers, one ionic and one nonionic, was isolated wi...
Application of public opinion monitoring in control of major infectious diseases

[Objective]To establish a mechanism for network public opinion monitoring and a surveillance model for disease control,and to apply it in major infectious diseases control and prevention.[Methods]The recent epidemic H7N9 was taken as major monitoring object. Through public opinion monitoring,analysis and evaluation,a public opinion monitoring system,which was suitable for public health work,was set up to standardize information acquisition,process,mining analysis and utilization. [Results] The public opinion monitoring system,including the epidemic tracking,disease prevention progress,public concern and other 6 modules was set up to provide data support for leaders at all levels and professionals.[Conclusion]The new public opinion monitoring mode plays an important role in decision-making support and analysis of major infectious diseases control. And it could also helps to deal with public health emergencies and important public health issues of public concern. The study results can provide further theoretical support for administrative departments at all levels to rapid establish public opinion management and control,under the circumstance of major infectious diseases outbreak.
Cutaneous reaction patterns in blacks.

The uniqueness of black skin often presents a diagnostic challenge for the practicing dermatologist. The features that contribute to this uniqueness are described, and representative examples of these features are presented.
Reservations about the usability of airline web sites

Designing effective and usable web sites is important to survival in the e-commerce market. The focus of this study was to identify general usability issues on major airline web sites. Seven web sites were compared on the task of locating flight and fare information. Finding flight information across the web sites was a difficult task for many users in this study. Numerous usability issues were identified including problems with logon procedures, non-descriptive and redundant links, round-trip options, and unfamiliar technical language.
Flora of Japanese Middle Pleistocene

Stratigraphic changes of fossil assemblages of macroscopic plant fragments and pollen during the middle Pleistocene in Southwest Japan are briefly enumerated as follows.1. Most of relict elements of the Pliocene flora as Metasequoia, Glyptostrobus, Juglans megacinerea, Liquidambar etc. already disappeared during the early Pleistocene. But some species as Cunninghamia lanceolata, Picea koribai, Ilex cornuta and Paliurus nipponicus still remained, and they disappeared during the middle Pleistocene.2. There is a large possibility that Liquidambar revived temporally its distribution in the southern coastal region of Southwest Japan during an interglacial age in the middle Pleistocene.3. Such northern elements as Larix gmelini, Abies veitchii, Picea jezoensis var. hondoensis, Oxycoccus palustris etc. have their first appearance during a glacial age in the middle Pleistocene.4. The specialization of Larix leptolepis, one of the endemic species of Japan, may have occurred during the middle Pleistocene in age. And its ancestral species may be L. gmelini inferring from their present ecological and phytogeographical relations.
Maintaining Perspective on the Economic Issues of Today

As the new administration takes office it is important to maintain some perspective on the economicchallenges facing the nation. The situation is far better today than when President Obama took office in2009 and 2013. Unemployment is close to pre-Great Recession levels, incomes are rising and poverty ratesfalling. We face economic challenges but the most important ones are not international trade or immigration.Sluggish economic growth, a fiscal crisis in our entitlement programs, high inequality in incomes andwealth, and climate change are what should demand our attention.
Rate of Horn Growth, Wear and Sole Thickness of Dairy Cattle in a Free Stall Barn with Concrete and Rubber Flooring

To compare horn growth wear and sole thickness twenty four mature dairy cows were ranked in order according to lactation number and calving date Using a randomized block design each group of two cows was randomly assigned in ranked order to either the experimental group housed on rubber mat group R or the control group housed on concrete group C The cows in each group were selected to achieve equal parity The two groups were examined at week intervals over a week period Cows in group Chad a significant increase in claw horn growth over the study period compared to the group R There was a non significant difference in wear between cows in the groups at the end of the study with cows in the group C showing most wear These findings suggest that there was a compensatory increase in horn production in response to accelerated claw horn wear in group C This was further supported by the fact that there was only a small but not significant difference in sole thickness between the groups at the end of the study with the cows in group C having slightly thinner soles Within group comparison of claw measurements recorded at the beginning week and end week of the trial cows in both groups showed significant increases in claw length indicating that overall growth exceeded wear in both groups Results of the study indicate a possible protective effect of a rubber walking surface versus concrete against claw horn wear Cows on concrete showed accelerated growth that did not fully compensate based on a tendency for increased wear and slightly thinner soles
Surface Reactions of Carbon Dioxide at the Adsorbed Water−Iron Oxide Interface

In this study, FTIR spectroscopy is used to investigate surface reactions of carbon dioxide at the adsorbed water−oxide interface. In particular, FTIR spectra following CO2 adsorption in the presence and absence of coadsorbed water on hydroxylated nanoparticulate Fe2O3 and γ-Al2O3 at 296 K are reported. In the absence of coadsorbed water, CO2 reacts with surface O−H groups to form adsorbed bicarbonate on the surface. In the presence of coadsorbed water, this reaction is blocked as water hydrogen bonds to the reactive M−OH sites. Instead, CO2 reacts with adsorbed water to yield adsorbed carbonate and protonated surface hydroxyl groups, M−OH2+, through a proposed carbonic acid intermediate. The carbonate spectra recorded between 10 and 90% RH are nearly identical to that of carbonate adsorbed on these surfaces in the presence of the liquid water. FTIR isotope studies show that there is extensive exchange between oxygen in adsorbed water and oxygen atoms in both adsorbed carbonate and gas-phase carbon dioxid...
Managing variability in algal biomass production through drying and stabilization of feedstock blends

Abstract The uncertainty and variability of algal biomass production presents several challenges to the nascent algal biofuel industry, including equipment scaling and feedstock supply. Ideally, on-site processing equipment will be scaled to minimize overall biofuel production costs, which means at times biomass production could exceed down-stream processing capacity due to seasonal variation. Biomass produced in excess of conversion capacity during summer months must be stabilized by some method, such as drying, until needed later in the year. Because of algae's high moisture content and its cohesive nature, drying is challenging. Blending algae with terrestrial biomass may provide a cost-effective method to enable drying and stabilization of algae by reducing moisture content and improving rheological (i.e. flowability) properties. To test the technical feasibility of this approach, bench-scale rotary drum dyers were constructed and tested with blends of algae ( Scenedesmus sp.), ground pine (2 mm grind), sorghum, corn stover (6 mm), sieved sand, and dried algae. In these studies, blends up to 40% algae exhibited drying behavior similar to that of pine alone, and reached dryness (2% moisture) in half of the time it took to dry algae alone. Thermogravimetric analyses performed on blends and neat blend materials provided drying curves consistent with the bench-scale dryers. Preliminary logistics analysis for production-scale operations were performed to determine cost and availability of feedstock materials for blending as compared to drying algae directly. This analysis indicates that revenue lost due to idle processing capacity had a significant impact on the per gallon gasoline equivalent feedstock cost. The blending approach, described herein, reduced feedstock-related costs, including procurement, drying, and storage by 35% relative to drying algae directly. Our results indicate that blending algae with terrestrial biomass enables the use of rotary dryers and has the potential to improve overall algal biofuel economics.
US Leadership and the International Refugee Regime

This article examines the role of the United States in the international refugee regime. It argues that the United States generally leads in assistance and protection of refugees and displaced persons when three conditions are present: a strong link to US foreign policy; clear and highly visible humanitarian needs and important domestic constituencies in support of action; and strong congressional support. The United States manifests its leadership through its financial contributions, as the largest donor to the array of international organizations with responsibilities in this area; resettlement of the refugees; and the use of the convening power of the US government. Nevertheless, there are reasons to be cautious about US leadership. While it is unlikely that the United States will soon lose its status as principal donor and principal strategist on tackling displacement, its ability to generate new resettlement offers is less clear, as is its ability to increase its own resettlement levels. The asylum system still has significant gaps, making it difficult for the United States to lead by example. Cet article examine le role que jouent les Etats-Unis (E.-U.) vis-a-vis du regime international des refugies. Il defend l’idee que les Etats-Unis jouent generalement un role de leader actif en matiere d’assistance et de protection apportees aux refugies et aux personnes deplacees quand trois conditions sont remplies: l’existence d’un lien solide avec la politique etrangere des E.-U., un solide soutien du Congres, et la coexistence de besoins humanitaires manifestes et particulierement visibles et d’importantes parties prenantes nationales pour soutenir leur action. En tant que principal donateur des organismes internationaux responsables dans ce domaine, les E.-U. expriment leur leadership par leurs contributions financieres, mais aussi en reinstallant les refugies et en faisant appel au pouvoir de mobilisation de leur gouvernement. Il existe neanmoins des raisons d’etre vigilant vis-a-vis de leur leadership. Meme s’il est peu probable qu’ils perdent dans un avenir proche leur statut de principal donateur et leur place parmi les principaux strateges de la problematique des deplacements, leur capacite a offrir de nouveaux sites de reinstallation est moins evidente que celle de developper leurs propres sites. Le regime d’asile comporte encore d’importantes lacunes, qui rendent difficiles pour les E.-U. de diriger par l’exemple.
Quantified electrostatic preorganization in enzymes using the geometry of the electron charge density

Electrostatic preorganization is thought to be a principle factor responsible for the impressive catalytic capabilities of enzymes. The full protein structure is believed to facilitate catalysis by exerting a highly specific electrostatic field on the active site. Computationally determining the extent of electrostatic preorganization is a challenging process. We propose using the topology and geometry of the electron charge density in the enzyme's active site to asses the effects of electrostatic preorganization. In support of this approach we study the convergence of features of the charge density as the size of the active site model increases in Histone Deacetylase 8. The magnitude of charge density at critical points and most Bader atomic charges are found to converge quickly as more of the protein is included in the simulation. The exact position of critical points however, is found to converge more slowly and be strongly influenced by the protein residues that are further away from the active site. We conjecture that the positions of critical points are affected through perturbations to the wavefunctions in the active site caused by dipole moments from amino acid residues throughout the protein. We further hypothesize that electrostatic preorganization, from the point of view of charge density, can not be easily understood through the charges on atoms or the nature of the bonding interactions, but through the relative positions of critical points that are known to correlate with reactivity and reaction barriers.
Qualitative methods in the development of a parent survey of children’s oral health status

Parents’ perceptions of their 8–17-year-old children’s oral health status were assessed using a sample from diverse dental clinics in Greater Los Angeles County to identify constructs for a survey instrument. Focus groups with 29 parents or guardians were conducted to identify themes that informed development of survey items. The draft items were administered to a different group of 32 parents or guardians in cognitive interviews, and revised for subsequent field-testing. Thematic and narrative analyses were performed after the focus groups and key lay-oriented dimensions were uncovered, notably the relationship between oral health, systemic health and the life course. In the cognitive interviews, parents entered multiple responses to questions related to the look of their child’s teeth, and their overall perception of tooth color. Parents also assessed their child’s fear or discomfort with the dental experience, and other social and psychological concerns related to oral health status. The temporal dimensions of certain items were specified; for example, oral pain and mood items were revised to include duration of the symptom or mood state. As parents tended to confuse oral health maintenance and prevention, these two related concepts were separated into two items. Based on the qualitative work, we revised items in preparation for a field test. As a PRO measurement study, qualitative research informed a field test survey to assess factors associated with oral health status and the individual’s perceptions and subjective views of these constructs for eventual item development for epidemiological and clinical use.
Hybrid Write Bias Scheme for Non-Volatile Resistive Crossbar Arrays

Crossbar arrays based on non-volatile resistive devices are planned for future memory systems due to the scalability and performance as compared to conventional charge based memory systems. To enhance the feasibility of these resistive memory systems, the energy consumption needs to be reduced. The write operation of a resistive memory based on a one-selector-one-resistor crossbar array consumes significant energy. The energy consumed by a crossbar array is dependent on the device and interconnect characteristics as well as the bias scheme. While the device and circuit parameters are the same for a specific application, the bias scheme of an array can be tuned to improve the energy efficiency. In this paper, an intelligent write scheme is proposed to provide a hybrid bias scheme. The proposed system adaptively sets the bias schemes to enhance energy efficiency. The most energy efficient bias scheme depends upon several parameters such as the size of the array, nonlinearity factor, and number of selected cells. For a specific array size and device characteristics, a power delivery system is described that sets the bias voltages based on the number of selected cells. Energy improvements of more than 2× are demonstrated with this hybrid bias scheme.
Remote sensing of optical characteristics and particle distributions of the upper ocean using shipboard lidar

Abstract Passive ocean color remote sensing has revolutionized our ability to quantify the horizontal distribution of phytoplankton across the ocean surface. Lidar technology can provide remotely sensed estimates of the vertical distribution of optical properties and suspended particles in natural waters, significantly improving our ability to model upper ocean biogeochemical processes. In this study, we constructed and deployed a ship-based lidar system to measure laser backscattering and linear depolarization profiles in the coastal Mid-Atlantic ranging from estuarine to oceanic conditions, and across the Gulf of Maine (GoM). The instrument identified layers with different backscattering intensity in stratified waters of the coastal Mid-Atlantic and produced system attenuation coefficients (Ksys) approximating the absorption coefficient (apg) of particulate + dissolved matter. The linear depolarization ratio was strongly related to in situ measurements of the particulate backscattering ratio (bbp/bp). Measurements of Ksys and linear depolarization made across the GoM corresponded well with simultaneous in situ observations performed aboard the M/V Nova Star and by an autonomous glider deployed along the transect. The relationship between Ksys and apg differed between sampling schemes, likely due to differences in the deployment geometries (e.g., height, nadir angle). These results support the proposition that ship-based lidar systems can provide a powerful tool for remotely measuring the vertical distributions of optical properties and geochemical constituents (e.g., particles) in the upper ocean. Continued development of compact lidar systems for deployment on ships, moorings, and autonomous platforms has the potential to greatly improve the quality and scope of a variety of oceanographic investigations.
Biophysical Forces Modulate the Costamere and Z-Disc for Sarcomere Remodeling in Heart Failure

Cardiac remodeling at the macroscopic level occurs as the heart fails and is accompanied by changes in size, shape, and performance of its cardiomyocytes. Therefore, an understanding of the mechanisms by which cardiomyocytes sense and respond to biomechanical stress is of prime importance to the development of a molecular basis of heart failure. The cardiomyocyte experiences changes in stress and strain throughout every cardiac cycle, which is generated both internally by contractile proteins and externally through cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions. Cells within the heart are constantly remodeling through processes of gene transcription, protein translation, posttranslational modification, and the assembly of complex organelles. Because the heart is constantly challenged mechanically, it relies upon the near instantaneous posttranslational modifications of existing proteins to sense and respond rapidly to acute external stressors. Transcription and translation takes longer but are important to the overall response to chronic stress and strain. However, the mechanisms by which cardiomyocytes sense and respond to chronic mechanical strains remain largely unknown. Our team and many others are testing hypotheses that mechanical forces drive the growth of heart cells in healthy exercise but become maladaptive in disease. In this chapter we review how the biophysical forces in normal cardiomyocytes drive sarcomere remodeling in heart failure via two key structural components—namely the costamere at the cell membrane that is connected to the Z-disc of the myofibril. Each of these structural complexes has numerous proteins, many of which sense mechanical forces and are also involved in filament assembly. A diagram of the costamere and Z-disc indicates many of the key proteins (Fig. 1). In this chapter, we review how the costamere and specific components of the Z-disc may accomplish both functions of stress detection and sarcomere remodeling during adaptation to hemodynamic overload.
Review Mathematical Perspective

Vrijling and van Gelder (1995) provide a thorough first analysis of an interesting problem in civil engineering: berm breakwater design and maintenance. It is always easier to criticize than to construct, and I make my comments with this thought in mind. I hope I have provided some questions which, when addressed, will clarify their work and some suggestions which, if acted upon, will improve their analysis. I make my analysis section by section.
Decomposition of Wood by Brown-Rot Fungi

Many different types of organisms deteriorate wood, but the greatest damage is microbial decay caused by fungi (Figures 1 and 2). Fungal decay is by far the most serious type of damage to wood in use, because it can cause structural failure that, at times, is very rapid. It is virtually impossible to accurately assess the monetary loss caused by decay that destroys wood products or impairs their aesthetic qualities because records are rarely kept. Treatments are available that can either prevent or retard the destructive action of decay. Nevertheless, it is estimated that annual losses of over $1 billion in the United States result from fungal deterioration of untreated or inadequately treated wood.
Learning from the Past: Reflecting on the Maya-ICBG Controversy in the Classroom

In the 1990s, the Maya-ICBG (International Cooperative Biodiversity Group) was one of the major bioprospecting projects in Chiapas, Mexico and was designed to incorporate traditional knowledge into pharmaceutical research. The researchers had hopes of benefiting Indigenous communities economically and technologically while conserving plants and traditional knowledge. Unfortunately, the project experienced local and international opposition who accused the project of exploiting Indigenous people and privatizing their knowledge. We present a teaching module in the form of an interrupted case study in which participants learn about the ethnobotanical study that shifted from one of promise to one of controversy. The history of the development of the case study over the past decade is told from both a faculty and a student perspective. The purpose of this perspective article and of our case study in general is to bring the conversation of ethics to the forefront of ethnobiology. Although the Maya-ICBG project was brought to a close in 2001, the case study is still relevant in both a historical context and as a means to discuss ethics and Prior Informed Consent.
Neural Interaction Transparency (NIT): Disentangling Learned Interactions for Improved Interpretability

Neural networks are known to model statistical interactions, but they entangle the interactions at intermediate hidden layers for shared representation learning. We propose a framework, Neural Interaction Transparency (NIT), that disentangles the shared learning across different interactions to obtain their intrinsic lower-order and interpretable structure. This is done through a novel regularizer that directly penalizes interaction order. We show that disentangling interactions reduces a feedforward neural network to a generalized additive model with interactions, which can lead to transparent models that perform comparably to the state-of-the-art models. NIT is also flexible and efficient; it can learn generalized additive models with maximum $K$-order interactions by training only $O(1)$ models.
Microstructure optimization with constrained design objectives using machine learning-based feedback-aware data-generation

Abstract Microstructure sensitive design has a critical impact on the performance of engineering materials. The safety and performance requirements of critical components, as well as the cost of material and machining of Titanium components, make dovetailing of the microstructure imperative. This paper addresses the optimization of several microstructure design problems for Titanium components under specific design constraints using a feedback-aware data-driven solution methodology. In this study, the microstructure is modeled with an orientation distribution function (ODF) that measures the volumes of different crystallographic orientations. Two algorithms are used to sample the entire microstructure space followed by machine learning-aided identification of a minimal subset of ODF dimensions which is subsequently explored by targeted sampling. Conventional optimization methods lead to a unique microstructure rather than yielding a comprehensive space of optimal or near-optimal microstructures. Multiple solutions are crucial for the deployment of materials design for manufacturing as traditional manufacturing processes can only generate a limited set of microstructures. Our data sampling-based methodology not only outperforms or is on par with other optimization techniques in terms of the optimal property value, but also provides numerous near-optimal solutions, 3–4 orders of magnitude more than previous methods. Consequently, the proposed framework delivers a spectrum of optimal solutions in the microstructure space which can accelerate materials development and reduce manufacturing costs.
First Field Trial of Sensing Vehicle Speed, Density, and Road Conditions by using Fiber Carrying High Speed Data

For the first time, we demonstrate detection of vehicle speed, density, and road conditions using deployed fiber carrying high-speed data transmission, and prove carriers' large-scale fiber infrastructures can also be used as ubiquitous sensing networks.
Motivation, governance, efficacy and contribution: a social practice model of commons-based peer production

This study examines how individual motivation and governance structure of online collaboration affect individual contribution and efficacy in a commons-based peer production (CBPP) community. Using survey data and structural equation modelling, this study demonstrates motivational factors alone cannot fully predict CBPP outcomes. How people perceive their freedom in setting their own agenda affects their confidence in producing artefacts for reuse. It also provides evidence that how individuals perceive their own ability in peer production significantly affects their relationships with the collective. Built upon a social practice view, this study highlights that efficacy at both individual and community levels should be viewed as important outcomes of cooperative human activity. This study contributes to the literature on CBPP and virtual communities by demonstrating the value of open governance and self-efficacy.
Isolation and X-ray Structure of a Dialkylbismuth(III) Iodo "Nanosquare": Breaking the Polymeric Mold of R2BiX.

We report the synthesis, X-ray structure, and solution behavior of a “nanosquare” formed by four repeating (iPr2BiI) units. The title complex [iPr2BiI]4 (1) formed spontaneously as the major produc...
Dual Approach to Solving SAT in Hardware

Boolean Satisfiability (SAT) is a central problem appearing in artificial intelligence, logic reasoning, formal verification, and EDA, with a wide range of practical applications. Many efficient SAT solvers have been implemented in software using some version of the DPLL algorithm. Numerous attempts have been made to implement SAT solving in hardware. However, all known hardware SAT solvers basically mimic the DPLL-like software approach, and are typically implemented as hardware accelerators that support the decision engine implemented in software. Herein, we propose a drastically different way to solve the SAT problem in a reconfigurable hardware. The basic idea is to convert (on the fly) the problem specified in the traditional CNF form to a disjunctive normal form (DNF), but stop the conversion as soon as the first nonzero product of literals in the DNF has been found. The paper describes the basic approach, the required hardware architecture, and demonstrates its potential for solving large SAT problems. Initial experimental results based on a simple prototype are encouraging, showing several orders of magnitude speedup w.r.t. software solutions.
Vacancy Tuning in Li,V-Substituted Lyonsites

The lyonsite structure, characterized by the formula A4M3O12, is a relatively understudied tunneled crystal structure. This host structure is known to be compositionally flexible, able to incorpora...
Application of cross-beam energy transfer to control drive symmetry in ICF implosions in low gas fill Hohlraums at the National Ignition Facility

Cross beam energy transfer (CBET), invoked by setting a wavelength difference, Δλ, between inner and outer beam cones, can be used to increase the drive on the waist in indirectly driven inertial confinement fusion experiments at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). Historically, hot spot symmetry control in capsule implosions in high (≥0.9 mg/cm3 4He) gas fill Hohlraums was enabled by substantial CBET. However, these implosion designs suffered from inflight symmetry swings, high SRS backscatter on the inner cones, and significant hot electron generation posing a threat to DT fuel preheat. Subsequent experiments in larger, low (≤0.6 mg/cm3 4He) gas fill Hohlraums demonstrated round implosions by varying the inner cone fraction throughout the laser drive at Δλ = 0 A while keeping backscatter and hot electron generation very low. To enable driving larger capsules at a given Hohlraum size, additional tools for implosion symmetry control are required. With this goal in mind, this paper presents a detailed experimental study of using CBET in low gas fill Hohlraums near NIF's current peak power capability. We find a ∼2.5× higher sensitivity of the P2 Legendre mode with respect to Δλ changes compared to that of high gas fill designs. We attribute this observation to the fact that backscatter remains very low and that CBET remains in a linear regime, as suggested by simulations. As a result, a much smaller Δλ of order 1 A is sufficient for sustaining implosion symmetry while keeping laser-to-Hohlraum coupling high and hot electron generation very low. While this study used plastic ablator capsules, our findings can be generalized to other ablator materials and, hence, show great promise for using wavelength detuning as a strong lever for implosion symmetry control in future low gas fill designs that require smaller case to capsule ratios in order to increase the energy coupled to the capsule.
Education As The “Silver Bullet”: Bringing Politics Into The Study Of Social Mobility, Redistribution, And Education

As conventional forms of wealth redistribution have diminished under the neoliberal consensus of both Democrats and Republicans in the United States, education reform has become a bipartisan issue....
Next-generation sequencing confirms T-cell clonality in a subset of pediatric pityriasis lichenoides.

BACKGROUND Pityriasis lichenoides (PL) is a papulosquamous disease that affects both adults and children. Previous studies have shown a subset of this entity to have clonal T-cell populations via PCR-based assays. In this study, we sought to implement next-generation sequencing (NGS) as a more sensitive and specific test to examine for T-cell clonality within the pediatric population. METHODS We identified 18 biopsy specimens from 12 pediatric patients with clinical and histopathologic findings compatible with PL. Patient demographics, clinical features, management, and histopathologic findings were reviewed. All specimens were analyzed for clonality with NGS of T-cell receptor beta (TRB) and gamma (TRG) genes. RESULTS Of the 12 patients, 9 (75%) had complete resolution of lesions at the time of data collection (mean follow-up 31 months). The remaining three patients significantly improved with methotrexate (with or without acitretin). Interestingly, 7 of 12 patients (58%) and 9 of 17 biopsy specimens (53%) showed evidence of T-cell clonality. Two patients showed matching TRB clones from different anatomic sites. CONCLUSIONS T-cell clonality is a common finding in PL, probably representing a "reactive clonality" rather than a true lymphoproliferative disorder. Clonality alone cannot be used as a means to distinguish PL from lymphomatoid papulosis or cutaneous lymphoma.
Congenital positional anomalies of the colon: Radiographic diagnosis and clinical implications

Defective fixation during embryologic development is responsible for a variety of segmental colonic malpositions seen during barium enema examinations. A review of the normal development process of fixation is presented, together with the most common and significant aberrations. On the right side clinical entities such as axial torsion, cecal bascule, retrocolic sigmoid, and pericolic bands are discussed and illustrated. On the left side, the configuration and clinical implications of the malposition of the splenic flexure are analyzed. It is pointed out that reversed configurations of the splenic flexure associated with failure of fixation of the entire descending colon may occur as an isolated congenital abnormality and may not necessarily be associated with renal anomalies. The characteristic radiographic appearance of the persistent descending mesocolon and its potential for complications is in addition emphasized. Familiarization with the radiographic appearance and clinical implications of these common abnormalities is essential in the daily interpretation of barium enema examinations.
Surprise and Sociology in Multi-Disciplinary Sciences

This lecture is being given as part of an international meeting on astronomical imaging. It is, in fact, the first major meeting of people with backgrounds in both optical and radio imaging, and has attracted 200 people from all around the world. One of those is a man who has been an active researcher in microwave and infrared spectroscopy for over half a century. It is my pleasure to introduce that man, Professor Charles Townes from the Space Science Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley. It is clear that throughout his life Professor Townes has been attracted by a series of fundamental challenges. He was already an acknowledged molecular spectroscopist when, in 1951, to solve the problem of short wavelength oscillators, he conceived a system for using excited ammonia molecules that became the ammonia beam maser oscillator. He followed this in 1958 by publishing a paper with his brother-in-law, Arthur Schawlow, that laid the foundations for the development of the laser. These two activities, flowing as they did from the pursuit of the most fundamental physics, paved the way for some of the key elements of modern communications.
Governing? Gentrifying? Seceding? Real-time Answers to Questions About Business Improvement Districts

Business improvement districts ("BIDs") have become a ubiquitous feature of the urban development toolkit. An important - perhaps the most important - instantiation of the trend in urban governance toward the devolution of local authority to new "sublocal," quasi-governmental institutions, BIDs play an important role in urban re-development efforts, especially efforts to revitalize downtowns and satellite center-city business districts. Drawing upon case studies of Philadelphia’s BIDS, this symposium essay seeks to answer three questions about how BIDs actually work on the ground: First, whether BIDs are actually functioning as local governments rather than quasi-private providers of supplemental services; second, whether BIDs either generate an insider/outsider problem within urban neighborhoods; and, third, whether BIDs exacerbate the pre-existing inequalities between urban neighborhoods.
Long-term alterations in glutamate receptor and transporter expression following early-life seizures are associated with increased seizure susceptibility

Prolonged seizures in early childhood are associated with an increased risk of development of epilepsy in later life. The mechanism(s) behind this susceptibility to later development of epilepsy is unclear. Increased synaptic activity during development has been shown to permanently alter excitatory neurotransmission and could be one of the mechanisms involved in this increased susceptibility to the development of epilepsy. In the present study we determine the effect of status-epilepticus induced by lithium/pilocarpine at postnatal day 10 (P10 SE) on the expression of glutamate receptor and transporter mRNAs in hippocampal dentate granule cells and protein levels in dentate gyrus of these animals in adulthood. The results revealed a decrease in glutamate receptor 2 (GluR2) mRNA expression and protein levels as well as an increase in protein levels for the excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1) in P10 SE rats compared to controls. Expression of glutamate receptor 1 (GluR1) mRNA was decreased in both P10 SE rats and identically handled, lithium-injected littermate controls compared to naive animals, and GluR1 protein levels were significantly lower in lithium-controls than in naive rats, suggesting an effect of either the handling or the lithium on GluR1 expression. These changes in EAA receptors and transporters were accompanied by an increased susceptibility to kainic acid induced seizures in P10 SE rats compared to controls. The current data suggest that early-life status-epilepticus can result in permanent alterations in glutamate receptor and transporter gene expression, which may contribute to a lower seizure threshold.
Portable X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis of Rock Art Pigments

Portable x-ray fluorescence technology has proved to be a very useful tool for identifying the mineral constituents of rock art paintings. This paper describes its use to identify chromium, whose likely source was the mineral fuchsite, as the green coloring agent in Montana and Wyoming pictographs. High levels of lead were also detected in a series of pictographs from Weatherman Draw in south central Montana that were reported to have been repainted or retouched to enhance their visibility.
Temperature-Independent Dispersion-Managed Fibre for 40 Gb/s WDM Systems

We experimentally demonstrate extremely low temperature induced dispersion variations in dispersion-managed fibre. We show that temperature fluctuations will not be a limitation for practical terrestrial 40 Gb/s transmission over such fibre
Stability of silica heat shield materials in the Space Shuttle environment

Sample tiles of Space Shuttle reusable surface insulation (RSI) and fibrous refractory composite insulation (FRCI) have been alternately exposed to simulated mission heating and the Kennedy Space Center launch-pad environment for up to 50 cycles. The two types of tiles were coated with an identical glass composition. The coating on RSI tiles was prone to cracking in the test environment while the same coating on FRCI was not. Absorption of water contaminated with environmental deposits resulted in accelerated devitrification in the RSI tiles. Devitrification in FRCI tiles was significantly less. The rate of environmental degradation of tiles appeared to be dependent on the amount of water absorption.
Norovirus infection in immunocompromised hosts

Abstract Acute gastroenteritis caused by noroviruses often has a duration of 2–0 days and is characteristically self-limiting. In contrast, chronic infection caused by noroviruses in immunocompromised individuals can last from weeks to years, making clinical management difficult. The mechanisms by which noroviruses establish persistent infection, and the role of immunocompromised hosts as a reservoir for noroviruses in the general human population, are not known. However, study of this patient cohort may lead to new insights into norovirus biology and approaches to treatment.
Hematologic reference values for the fetal long‐tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis)

Complete blood counts (CBCs) were performed on 68 fetal macaque blood samples collected from 31 fetuses by repeat ultrasound-guided cardiocentesis (gestational day [GD] 80–150; term ∼ GD 165) with the goal of defining normative hematologic reference values during prenatal life. Lymphocytes were the primary white blood cells (WBCs) observed throughout gestation. Segmented neutrophils were the second highest percent of WBCs and were noted to rise significantly during GD 130–140. Overall, WBCs increased progressively throughout gestation with a transient decline at the beginning of the third trimester (∼ GD 110). A steady linear rise in red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin, and hematocrit was observed with a marginal decline close to term; mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) showed a consistent linear decline throughout gestation whereas mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) remained relatively stable. Nucleated RBCs (NRBCs per 100 WBCs) were present on GD 80, showed a sharp decline mid-second trimester (∼ GD 90), and were significantly diminished by the beginning of the third trimester (∼ GD 110). No quantitative changes in platelets were noted throughout the study period. Evaluations of erythrocyte morphology indicated polychromasia and anisocytosis as typical characteristics throughout gestation with rare occurrence of hypochromasia and poikilocytosis. Howell-Jolly bodies were intermittently observed. These data reveal distinct similarities when compared to prenatal hematologic characteristics for human fetuses and provide baseline data which can be applied to experimental studies where prenatal hematopoietic/hematologic toxicity may be anticipated. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Use of Interpreters by Physicians for Hospitalized Limited English Proficient Patients and Its Impact on Patient Outcomes

BACKGROUND Few studies have examined the impact of inpatient interpreter use for limited English proficient (LEP) patients on length of stay (LOS), 30-day post discharge emergency department (ED) visits and 30-day hospital readmission rates for LEP patients.
Underwater and aerial visual acuity in the Asian "clawless" otter (Amblonyx cineria cineria).

Gentry and Peterson1 have compared data obtained from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) on an underwater size discrimination task with data obtained by Schusterman et al.2 using two sea lions (Zalophus californianus). Although Gentry and Peterson did not test the sea otter's vision in air, they concluded that its performance was inferior to that of the sea lion because the “pinniped eye” is emmetropic underwater with adaptations for aerial vision and that the “otter eye” (Lutra) was emmetropic in air with adaptations for underwater vision3. Such an interpretation of the difference between otters and sea lions emphasizes different dioptric mechanisms and ignores neural structure and organization at the retinal level, as well as at the level of the cortical projection areas.
Molecular interactions of ethanol with GABAergic system and potential of RO15–4513 as an ethanol antagonist

The behavioral and biochemical effects of ethanol in man and animals have been investigated for a long time. A role of catecholamines in the central stimulatory action and during withdrawal has been envisaged, but more recent observations have revealed the involvement of inhibitory synaptic transmitter, GABA, in the actions of ethanol. Ethanol-induced motor incoordination, hypnosedation, antianxiety, and anticonvulsant actions are reported to be GABA-mediated. Involvement of the GABA system has been implicated in ethanol withdrawal-induced seizure in animals. More direct evidences using Cl− influx studies in synaptoneurosomes and spinal neuronal culture studies confirm such a mode of action of ethanol, probably influencing the chloride channel modulation at the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor ionophore complex. RO15–4513 ( (ethyl-8-azido-5,6-dihydro-5-methyl-6-Oxo-4H-imidazo [1,5-α], [1,4] benzodiazepine-3-carboxylate), a novel imidazobenzodiazepine, an analogue of the classical benzodiazepine antagonist is reported to possess alcohol antagonistic properties. RO15–4513 reverses both the behavioral and biochemical effects of ethanol, including the action of GABA-induced Cl− fluxes. But its potential clinical application may be restricted due to its inverse agonistic property. The present review focuses on the GABA-linked behavioral and biochemical actions of ethanol and discusses the potential of RO15–4513 as an alcohol antagonist.