cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gap (RED): Social Responsibility Campaign or Window Dressing?

This study interrogates the Gap (RED) campaign from a political economic perspective to determine whether it goes beyond merely touting the virtuous line of social responsibility. Critics cite the irony of capitalist-based solutions that perpetuate the inequities they are trying to address. Others suggest the aid generated is problematic in and of itself because it keeps Africa from becoming self-sufficient. This research contends the purpose of the Gap’s participation is genuine, going beyond window dressing and the surface level benefit of capitalistic enterprise, and is in fact linked to a higher motive of propagating ethical trade which ultimately offers African beneficiaries a path to financial independence. However, because the message of the current Gap (RED) advertising campaign does convey a false sense of doing good, another advertising approach is warranted.
Electrophoresis of flexible macromolecules: evidence for a new mode of transport in gels

Movement of macromolecules through low concentration agarose gels was investigated with linear poly(styrenesulfonate), linear DNA, star-shaped poly(styrenesulfonate), and circular DNA. Mobilities of weakly entangled flexible macromolecules were independent of molecular radius; within a homologous chemical sequence, electrophoretic separation at low field strengths depended solely on the degree of polymerization. These observations cannot be explained either by sieving or by reptation mechanisms; transport was apparently controlled by spatial variations of chain configurational entropy. Only when the chain was highly entangled did chain topology affect mobility. Evidence for entropically regulated transport clarifies how gel electrophoresis separates flexible macromolecules.
ADAM, intelligent integrated self-enhanced photovoltaic panel with Rainwater harvesting for Irrigation, unit cooling and cleaning

Invention technical field is the areas of: Photovoltaic solar panel for electricity production, desertation ground effect through the forthcoming extensive use o solar panels, Rainwater harvesting, Irrigation and ground fertilization. The main idea of the invention is to collect rainwater on the lower edge of a photovoltaic panel and store it in a tank. With this water we subsequently can: irrigate the land for agriculture use, collect local or away the water for any other use, refrigerate the photovoltaic back or front panel, clean the glass of the panel surface. Results are soil cultivation for plant or animal production, greenhouse effect improvement, photovoltaic panel lower temperature with 30% efficiency, photovoltaic front panel glass cleaning with better efficiency. All process are handled by PLC, a programmable Logic Computer. According to the desired use there are 7 system configurations: lake reservoir fill, animal farm irrigation, back cooling, front glass cooling, dual cooling, front glass cleaning, Full feature system.
Software for Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations

The numerical solution of physically realistic nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) is a complicated and highly problem-dependent process which usually requires the scientist to undertake the difficult and time-consuming task of developing his own computer program to solve his problem. This paper presents a software interface which can eliminate much of the expensive and time-consuming effort involved in the solution of nonlinear PDEs. The software interface provides centered differencing in the spatial variable for time-dependent nonlinear PDEs, giving a semidiscrete system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs), which are then solved using one of the recently developed robust ODE integrators. Besides being portable, efficient, and easy to use, the software interface along with an ODE integrator will discretize the problem, select the time step and order, solve the nonlinear equations (checking for convergence, etc.), and maintain a user-specified time integration accuracy, all automatically and reliably. Physically realistic examples are given to illustrate the use and capability of the software.
Smoking status of adolescents in 2 countries and the impact of the smoking status of mother, father, grandparents, and siblings.

There is considerable agreement throughout the world that adolescent smoking preferences are influenced by parents grandparents and siblings. Learning about the influence of this modifiable family environmental factor is extremely important because prevention strategies focused on including relatives might lead to greater reductions in the incidence and prevalence of adolescent smoking than adolescent-only programs. Researchers have found that the effect of relatives on adolescent smoking preferences is variable among different cultures. However there has been little opportunity to determine if smoking preferences differ between adolescents of a similar culture and heritage who live in 2 completely different geographic environments. The US-Mexico border is a place where adolescents share similar culture and heritage but are exposed to different laws different finances and different economic resources. We recently conducted a study of adolescent smoking in the border area of El Paso TX (population: 78% Hispanic 64% Mexican) and Ciudad Juarez Chihuahua Mexico. While conducting this cross-sectional study we assessed the influence of relatives (parents grandparents and siblings) smoking preferences on adolescent smoking. (excerpt)
Monte Carlo computations in lattice gauge theories

Abstract The formulation of gauge theories on Euclidean space-time lattices and the application of the Monte Carlo computational technique to the ensuing systems are reviewed. A variety of numerical results obtained for lattice gauge theories are presented and discussed.
Mitigation of Power Frequency Fields by Proper Choice of Line Configuration and Shielding

Although the hazards of power line magnetic fields on human health are not firmly established, mitigation of these fields is prudent. In this paper, some of the possible hazards of these magnetic fields are discussed first, and then an attempt is made to reduce these fields by proper choice of parameters of conventional three-phase power lines and by shielding confined regions such as switching stations or control rooms. Numerical procedures are developed, computations are made, and results are presented to show that techniques such as proper choice of line parameters, active cancellation, and local shielding reduce such magnetic fields to acceptable levels.
Calcium-activated pathways and oxidative burst mediate zymosan-induced signaling and IL-10 production in human macrophages.

Outside of the TLR paradigm, there is little understanding of how pathogen recognition at the cell surface is linked to functional responses in cells of the innate immune system. Recent work in this area demonstrates that the yeast particle zymosan, by binding to the β-glucan receptor Dectin-1, activates an ITAM-Syk–dependent pathway in dendritic cells, which is required for optimal cytokine production and generation of an oxidative burst. It remains unclear how activation of Syk is coupled to effector mechanisms. In human macrophages, zymosan rapidly activated a calcium-dependent pathway downstream of Dectin-1 and Syk that led to activation of calmodulin-dependent kinase II and Pyk2. Calmodulin-dependent kinase and Pyk2 transduced calcium signals into activation of the ERK–MAPK pathway, CREB, and generation of an oxidative burst, leading to downstream production of IL-10. These observations identify a new calcium-mediated signaling pathway activated by zymosan and link this pathway to both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses in macrophages.
Fluorescent protein-tagged Vpr dissociates from HIV-1 core after viral fusion and rapidly enters the cell nucleus

HIV-1 Vpr is recruited into virions during assembly and appears to remain associated with the viral core after the reverse transcription and uncoating steps of entry. This feature has prompted the use of fluorescently labeled Vpr to visualize viral particles and to follow trafficking of post-fusion HIV-1 cores in the cytoplasm. Here, we tracked single pseudovirus entry and fusion and observed that fluorescently tagged Vpr gradually dissociates from post-fusion viral cores over the course of several minutes and accumulates in the nucleus. Kinetics measurements showed that fluorescent Vpr released from the cores very rapidly entered the cell nucleus. More than 10,000 Vpr molecules can be delivered into the cell nucleus within 45 min of infection by HIV-1 particles pseudotyped with the avian sarcoma and leukosis virus envelope glycoprotein. The fraction of Vpr from cell-bound viruses that accumulated in the nucleus was proportional to the extent of virus-cell fusion and was fully blocked by viral fusion inhibitors. Entry of virus-derived Vpr into the nucleus occurred independently of envelope glycoproteins or target cells. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy revealed two forms of nuclear Vpr—monomers and very large complexes, likely involving host factors. The kinetics of viral Vpr entering the nucleus after fusion was not affected by point mutations in the capsid protein that alter the stability of the viral core. The independence of Vpr shedding of capsid stability and its relatively rapid dissociation from post-fusion cores suggest that this process may precede capsid uncoating, which appears to occur on a slower time scale. Our results thus demonstrate that a bulk of fluorescently labeled Vpr incorporated into HIV-1 particles is released shortly after fusion. Future studies will address the question whether the quick and efficient nuclear delivery of Vpr derived from incoming viruses can regulate subsequent steps of HIV-1 infection.
Effect of distribution and concentration of topically applied neonicotinoid insecticides in buffalograss, Buchloe dactyloides, leaf tissues on the differential mortality of Blissus occiduus under field conditions

Background: Neonicotinoid insecticides are generally efficacious against many turfgrass pests, including several important phloem-feeding insects. However, inconsistencies in control of western chinch bugs, Blissus occiduus, have been documented in field efficacy studies. This research investigated the efficacy of three neonicotinoid insecticides (clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiameth oxam) against B. occiduus in buffalograss under field conditions and detected statistically significant differences in B. occiduus numbers among treatments. A subsequent study documented the relative quantity and degradation rate of these insecticides in buffalo grass systemic leaf tissues, using HPLC. Results: Neonicotinoid insecticides initially provided significant reductions in B. occiduus numbers, but mortality diminished over the course of the field studies. Furthermore, while all three neonicotinoids were present in the assayed buffalograss leaf tis sues, imidacloprid concentrations were significantly higher than those of clothianidin and thiamethoxam. Over the course of the 28 day study, thiamethoxam concentrations declined 700-fold, whereas imidacloprid and clothianidin declined only 70-fold and 60-fold respectively. Conclusions: Field studies continued to verify inconsistencies in B. occiduus control with neonicotinoid insecticides. This is the first study to document the relative concentrations of topically applied neonicotinoid insecticides in buffalograss systemic leaf tissues.
STADIUM: a new tool for high assurance in systems design

An issue in the development of large and complex systems is that the design process is essentially open-ended. The systems engineering phase finds an acceptable theoretical design and passes it on for manufacturing. Little attention is paid to "real-world" detrimental effects of manufacturing and operational variabilities upon the "designed" system performance levels. Alternatively to try to account for search effects, a "worst-case" system design is often attempted with predictable impact to system costs. As a result of the above issues, the importance of running statistically based system and subsystem level simulations has become particularly critical in this period of increasingly complex commercial systems, defense conversions and dual-use technologies. Monte Carlo techniques could be considered but often lead to excessively time-consuming and inefficient design tools. We present a means of coupling more efficient statistical techniques (based on a design of experiments methodology) to conventional systems simulators. The resulting software tool, called STADIUM, is currently in use within industry to characterize system performances in terms of circuit, subsystem and system level variabilities.
Micro-temperature sensor array with thin-film thermocouples

A micro-temperature sensor array with thin-film thermocouples (TFTCs) is developed. The TFTCs are made with T-type (copper-constantan) thermocouples to measure chip temperature distribution of electronic packaging. The sensor array of 150 nm thickness has 10/spl times/10 junctions within a 9/spl times/9 mm area.
Are Adolescent Girls with Chlamydia Infection Notifying Their Partners

Objectives: (1) To determine the proportion of inner-city adolescent girls diagnosed with chlamydial cervicitis who notify their sex partners; (2) to examine girls' attitudes and perceptions about partner notification and treat- ment; and (3) to assess whether or not girls knew if their partners were treated for chlamydia infection. Design/Methods: Adolescent girls who had a positive DNA hybridization test for chlamydial cervicitis from March 2000 to May 2002 completed a 37-item self-administered survey assessing sexual behavior and partner notification, as well as the Rosenberg self esteem scale. Subjects com- pleted the survey 1-3 months after the diagnosis of chla- mydia infection. Results: Fifty-five adolescent girls (46% Hispanic, 36% African American) aged 13-21 years (mean 18.3 years) completed the survey. The median age at first intercourse was 14 (SD 1.6); median number of lifetime sex partners was 4. Forty-one subjects (75%) notified their sex part- ners. The most common reasons for partner notification were"I did not want my sex partner to give the infection back to me"and"I wanted to let my sex partner know that he/she had given me the infection". There was a trend toward increased notification if the girls were 18 years of age or older (P 0.07) or had only one lifetime sex partner (P 0.08). Of the 41 subjects who notified their partners, 22 (54%) reported that the partners were treated; 16 did not know, and three knew that partners were not treated. Conclusions: The majority of inner-city girls in this study notified their partners about chlamydia infection. Self- protection from re-infection was an important reason given for notification and suggests that girls in committed ongoing relationships might be more likely to notify partners.
Toward a Common Terminology for Talking about Speech and Reading: A Glossary of the “Phon” Words and Some Related Terms

Many phonological terms are found in the contemporary literature on reading, and some inconsistencies and disagreements are apparent in how they are used and understood. To clarify the meanings of these words in current usage, and thereby to facilitate communication in the field of literacy, a thematically organized glossary of these terms and related words is provided.
Harriet Lerner: A Conversation

Harriet Lerner is unique in her ability to share her vast experience equally well with professional family therapists and with members of the general public. In this interviewv, she focuses on her latest work, an exploration of deception and truth telling.
Bz-423 Superoxide Signals B Cell Apoptosis via Mcl-1, Bak, and Bax

Bz-423 is a pro-apoptotic 1,4-benzodiazepine with therapeutic properties in murine models of lupus demonstrating selectivity for autoreactive lymphocytes. Bz-423 modulates the F1F0-ATPase, inducing the formation of superoxide within the mitochondrial respiratory chain, which then functions as a second messenger initiating apoptosis. In order to understand some of the features that contribute to the increased sensitivity of lymphocytes, we report the signaling pathway engaged by Bz-423 in a Burkitt lymphoma cell line (Ramos). Following the generation of superoxide, Bz-423-induced apoptosis requires the activation of Bax and Bak to induce mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and cytochrome c release. Knockdown of the BH3-only proteins Bad, Bim, Bik, and Puma inhibits Bz-423 apoptosis, suggesting that these proteins serve as upstream sensors of the oxidant stress induced by Bz-423. Treatment with Bz-423 results in superoxide-dependent Mcl-1 degradation, implicating this protein as the link between Bz-423-induced superoxide and Bax and Bak activation. In contrast to fibroblasts, B cell death induced by Bz-423 is independent of c-Jun N-terminal kinase. These results demonstrate that superoxide generated from the mitochondrial respiratory chain as a consequence of a respiratory transition can signal a specific apoptotic response that differs across cell types.
CDMA downlink rate allocation for heterogeneous traffic based on utility function: GA-SA approach

Modern CDMA systems are required to provide differentiated services to support heterogeneous traffic while existing rate allocation schemes are designed for homogeneous users. We propose different utility functions to adapt to distinct user QoS requirements. Our goal is to maximize the system-wide aggregated utilities. A suboptimal solution of this NP-hard nonlinear programming problem is achieved by implementing a GA-SA hybrid algorithm. Simulation results verify that our scheme allocates rates in such a way that all types of services are satisfied in balance while a high throughput is still maintained; therefore more types of services are accommodated in the system.
Adaptive critic based neuro-observer

A new Neural Network (NN) based observer design method for nonlinear systems represented by nonlinear dynamics and linear/nonlinear measurement is proposed in this paper. In this new approach, as the first step, the observer design problem is changed into a 'controller' design problem by establishing the error dynamics, and then the Adaptive Critic (AC) based approach is applied on this error dynamics to design a 'controller', such that the errors are driven to zero. The resulting observer has inherent robustness from the AC based design approach. Some simulations are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of this approach.
Cost-effectiveness of prize-based contingency management in methadone maintenance treatment programs.

Aim To determine if prize-based contingency management (CM), which has been shown to improve treatment outcomes over usual care (UC) alone, is cost-effective. Design A cost-effectiveness study of a multi-site clinical trial. Data on the outcome measures came from the original effectiveness trial. Cost data were gathered by clinic survey specifically for this cost-effectiveness analysis. Setting Six methadone maintenance community clinics participating in the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network. Participants Participants were recruited from six methadone maintenance community treatment programs.The study sample consisted of 388 participants: 190 in the UC condition and 198 in the CM condition. Participants were randomized at each site to either the UC or the CM condition based on the presence of stimulants (cocaine, amphetamine or methamphetamine) and opioids in their baseline urine sample. Intervention Prize-based contingency management added to usual care. Measurements Longest duration of abstinence (LDA), number of stimulant-negative urine samples and costs of treatment. Findings Compared to usual care, the incremental cost of using prize-based CM to lengthen the LDA by 1 week was $141 [95% confidence interval (CI), $105‐$193]. The incremental cost to obtain an additional stimulant-negative urine sample was $70 (95% CI, $53‐$117). Conclusions By comparing this study to a companion study, we found that adding prize-based CM to usual care may be more cost-effective in methadone maintenance clinics than in counseling-based drug-free clinics.
Resonant relaxation in electroweak baryogenesis

We compute the leading, chiral charge-changing relaxation term in the quantum transport equations that govern electroweak baryogenesis using the closed time path formulation of nonequilibrium quantum field theory. We show that the relaxation transport coefficients may be resonantly enhanced under appropriate conditions on electroweak model parameters and that such enhancements can mitigate the impact of similar enhancements in the CP-violating source terms. We also develop a power counting in the time and energy scales entering electroweak baryogenesis and include effects through second order in ratios epsilon of the small and large scales. We illustrate the implications of the resonantly enhanced [script O](epsilon 2) terms using the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model, focusing on the interplay between the requirements of baryogenesis and constraints obtained from collider studies, precision electroweak data, and electric dipole moment searches.
The cellular context of T cell signaling.

Classical αβ T cells protect the host by monitoring intracellular and extracellular proteins in a two-step process. The first step is protein degradation and combination with a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule, leading to surface expression of this amalgam (antigen processing). The second step is the interaction of the T cell receptor with the MHC-peptide complex, leading to signaling in the T cells (antigen recognition). The context for this interaction is a T cell–antigen presenting cell junction, known as an immunological synapse if symmetric and stable and as a kinapse if asymmetric and mobile. The physiological recognition of a ligand takes place most efficiently in the F-actin-rich lamellipodium and is F-actin dependent in stages of formation and triggering and myosin II dependent for signal amplification. This review discusses how these concepts emerged from early studies on adhesion, signaling, and cell biology of T cells.
An improved model for interplanetary dust fluxes in the outer Solar System

Abstract We present an improved model for interplanetary dust grain fluxes in the outer Solar System constrained by in situ dust density observations. A dynamical dust grain tracing code is used to establish relative dust grain densities and three-dimensional velocity distributions in the outer Solar System for four main sources of dust grains: Jupiter-family comets, Halley-type comets, Oort-Cloud comets, and Edgeworth-Kuiper Belt objects. Model densities are constrained by in situ dust measurements by the New Horizons Student Dust Counter, the Pioneer 10 meteoroid detector, and the Galileo Dust Detection System (DDS). The model predicts that Jupiter-family comet grains dominate the interplanetary dust grain mass flux inside approximately 10 AU, Oort-Cloud cometary grains may dominate between 10 and 25 AU, and Edgeworth-Kuiper Belt grains are dominant outside 25 AU. The model also predicts that while the total interplanetary mass flux at Jupiter roughly matches that inferred by the analysis of the Galileo DDS measurements, mass fluxes to Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are at least one order-of-magnitude lower than that predicted by extrapolations of dust grain flux models from 1 AU. Finally, we compare the model predictions of interplanetary dust oxygen influx to the giant planet atmospheres with various observational and photochemical constraints and generally find good agreement, with the exception of Jupiter, which suggests the possibility of additional chemical pathways for exogenous oxygen in Jupiter’s atmosphere.
In Vitro Growth of Coriolus Versicolor , a Wood-Decay Fungus, Responds Differentially to Catechol and Tannic Acid

Both decay and disease of trees are of great economic importance to the commercial wood products industry. Certain micro-organisms such as the white-rot fungi can literally live upon wood via their abilities to secrete cellulolytic and ligninolytic enzymes (Highley and Kirk, 1979). The capacity of white-rot fungi to degrade lignin involves in part their elaboration of an extra-cellular polyphenol oxidase (Agrios,.1978; Highley and Kirk, 1979; Nobles, 1958, 1965).
An assessment of using variable blade pitch for moored ocean current turbine flight control

Abstract This paper investigates the possibility of using active individual blade pitch control for positioning moored ocean current turbines within an array. Using a numerical simulation of a representative ocean current turbine it is shown that harmonic blade oscillations with amplitudes of 1.5° can be used to displace an ocean current turbine laterally by a distance equal to one rotor diameter, when the mooring cable length is approximately 30 times the diameter of the rotor blade. For current flow directions that would result in a downstream turbine operating in the wake of an upstream system at a distance of 10 diameters, this technique could be used to reduce the power loss of the downstream system from about 50% (caused by the reduced flow speed available in the turbine wake) to the 1.2% power loss associated with the suggested control approach.
A Mindfulness Experiential Small Group to Help Students Tolerate Ambiguity.

This study explored the lived experiences of 20 counselors-in-training (CITs) in a mindfulness experiential small group. Using grounded theory, the authors described a 5-dimensional model for navigating ambiguity. Findings suggest mindfulness training provides CITs self-reflection skills and a greater ability to manage cognitive complexity.
The degree of left atrial structural remodeling impacts left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVES The extent of left atrial (LA) wall structural remodeling (fibrosis) detected by late gadolinium enhancement-magnetic resonance imaging (LGE-MRI) is correlated with advanced atrial fibrillation (AF). The concomitant occurrence of AF and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is not uncommon. We studied the effect of LA fibrosis, a confounder of both AF and LV dysfunction, on LV ejection fraction (EF). STUDY DESIGN For the analysis, we identified and included 384 patients from our retrospective AF database who underwent LGE-MRI and transthoracic echocardiography prior to AF ablation. Based on the degree of LA fibrosis, patients were categorized into four stages as: Utah 1 ( 35% fibrosis). RESULTS The average pre-ablation LVEF was 60.5%±8.5% (n=24) in Utah stage 1 patients, 55.7%±10.3% (n=240) in Utah stage 2 patients, 51.7±11.5% (n=90) in Utah stage 3 patients, and 48.9%±11.6% (n=30) in Utah stage 4 patients (p<0.001, one-way ANOVA). The percentage of LA fibrosis was significantly negatively correlated to LVEF pre-ablation in a univariate analysis (p<0.001). In a multivariate model accounting for age, gender, AF type, and comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension, Utah stage remained a significant predictor of pre-ablation EF (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Patients with extensive LA fibrosis appear to have depressed LV function pre-ablation, suggesting that structural remodeling in the LA may also be triggering and promoting remodeling within the ventricular myocardium.
IDH1 mutation can be present in diffuse astrocytomas and giant cell glioblastomas of young children under 10 years of age.

Author(s): Ferris, Sean P; Goode, Benjamin; Joseph, Nancy M; Kline, Cassie N; Samuel, David; Gupta, Nalin; Bollen, Andrew; Perry, Arie; Mueller, Sabine; Solomon, David A
Respiratory Failure in the Patient with AIDS: Is Critical Care Warranted?

The issue of whether or not the life-sustaining treatments (LST) of critical care is warranted for patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) experiencing acute respiratory failure has been raised. Factors that have contributed to this issue include the AIDS epidemic, the high costs of critical care, limited intensive care resources, high mortality, prolonged suffering, and the effects on caregivers in delivering futile care. This article examines this issue from the ethicality of the decision-making process regarding LST in context with medical futility, patient autonomy, and discussion among patients and caregivers. The allocation of critical care resources for AIDS patients with respiratory failure is analyzed from the viewpoint of distributive justice. The nursing implications of providing critical care to these patients and their families are discussed as well as needed areas of research.
A 18-45 GHz double-balanced mixer with integrated LO amplifier and unique suspended broadside-coupled balun

An ultra wide band double-balanced mixer with integrated LO buffer amplifier has been developed using 0.15u depletion mode PHEMT technology. The mixer employs a unique broadside-coupled balun for superior 18-45 GHz bandwidth and overcomes many of the disadvantages of edge coupled transmission lines in microstrip or stripline. The mixer utilizes GaAs HEMT S-D diode mixing and integrates LO power amplifier to ease the drive requirements typically associated with this type of mixing. The LO amplifier has a distributed input stage and sequential traditional common source FETs for efficient power amplification. The LO can also be sub-harmonically pumped for 2/spl times/ frequency multiplication as well as fundamentally driven. The result is a mixer capable of -10 dB conversion gain for up or down mixing across many commercial frequency bands for 18-45 GHz. LO power requires only 0 dBm.
Obtaining Financial Education Program Support

A financial education program is a means for decreasing or preventing the financial stress of students and should be seen by higher education administration as a worthwhile use of university monies. In this chapter, we suggest a range of collaborative ways for financial and other support from stakeholders within higher education institutions. We also provide suggestions on ways public and private sources can help a financial education program. The visibility of a program both within and outside the college or university is an important part of achieving your goals and enhancing outcomes.
95–105 GHz 352 mW All-Silicon Cavity-Coupled Pulsed Echo Rotational Spectroscopy System in 65 nm CMOS

A new CMOS-based spectroscopy instrument for in situ rotational spectroscopy of gases in space is presented. The design is based on the pulsed Fourier transform method of Balle–Flygare but operates at mm-wave frequencies as oppose to traditional microwave implementations. The core of the instrument consists of a 65 nm CMOS transceiver chipset with integrated mixers, synthesizers, and amplifiers covering the 95–105 GHz frequency band. The CMOS chips are coupled with a semiconfocal cavity which builds field strength for pumping rotational transitions. Details of the CMOS chip design as well as system level testing are discussed.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of laser net shape manufactured inconel 718 and Ti-6Al-4V components

Laser net shape manufacturing (LNSM) is a laser cladding based technology, which can fabricate prototype and repair high performance aircraft engine components with metal powders. Characterizing mechanical properties of the laser net shape manufactured components is important to the application of LNSM technique in real production. Nickel-based superalloys and titanium alloys are the most commonly used materials in aircraft engines. This paper studies the material properties of laser deposited Inconel 718 and Ti-6Al-4V specimens by evaluation of their microstructures and tensile strength. The effects of laser processing parameters and build up orientations on the resulting material microstructures and the mechanical strengths are investigated.Laser net shape manufacturing (LNSM) is a laser cladding based technology, which can fabricate prototype and repair high performance aircraft engine components with metal powders. Characterizing mechanical properties of the laser net shape manufactured components is important to the application of LNSM technique in real production. Nickel-based superalloys and titanium alloys are the most commonly used materials in aircraft engines. This paper studies the material properties of laser deposited Inconel 718 and Ti-6Al-4V specimens by evaluation of their microstructures and tensile strength. The effects of laser processing parameters and build up orientations on the resulting material microstructures and the mechanical strengths are investigated.
The reality of partnership: formal collaborations between law enforcement and community corrections agencies in Pennsylvania

ABSTRACTAs is the case in the UK, formal police–community corrections partnerships in the US have existed since the 1990s. However, unlike the UK where parliamentary developments and subsequent policy initiatives have provided a context in which criminal justice agencies formally work together, police–probation/parole partnerships in the US have experienced relatively little formalisation, with most extant partnerships existing informally based principally on interpersonal relations between individual police and corrections agency members. Relevant to research in the UK [Mawby, R.C., Crawley, P., and Wright, A., 2007. Beyond ‘polibation’ and towards ‘prisi-polibation’? Joint agency offender management in the context of the street crime initiative. International journal of police science & management, 9 (2), 122–134; Mawby, R.C. and Worrall, A., 2004. ‘Polibation’ revisited: policing, probation and prolific offender projects. International journal of police science and management, 6 (2), 63–73; Mawby, R.C....
Molecular dynamics of reactions between (4,0) zigzag carbon nanotube and hydrogen peroxide under extreme conditions

ABSTRACTSingle-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been suggested as potential materials for use in next-generation gas sensors. The sidewall functionalisation of CNTs facilitates gas molecule adsorption. In this study, density functional theory (DFT)-based ab initio molecular dynamics simulations are performed for a periodic zigzag single-wall (4,0) CNT surrounded by a monolayer of hydrogen peroxide molecules in an attempt to find conditions that favour sidewall functionalisation. The dependency of dynamics on charge states of the system is examined. It is found negative charges favour reactions that result in the functionalisation of the CNT. First principles molecular dynamics of defect formation yields chemically reasonable structure of stable defects, which can be reproduced in CNTs of any diameter and chirality. The explored hydroxyl and hydroperoxyl defects increase conductivity in a large diameter (10,0) CNT, while decrease conductivities in a small diameter (4,0) CNT.
Prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in Market-Weight Turkeys On-Farm and at Slaughter†

To monitor the effects of feed withdrawal on the prevalence of Campylobacter, market-weight turkeys from six farms were examined before and after perimarketing events (feed withdrawal, transport, and holding at the slaughterhouse). Prior to transport, birds (n = 30 per farm) were slaughtered on-farm, and viscera (crops, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon, ceca, gallbladder, and spleen) were removed on the premises. Within ca. 48 h, cohorts (n = 30 per farm) from the same flock were transported to a commercial abattoir, maintained in holding sheds, slaughtered, and the viscera were removed. No differences in the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. were evident when individual flocks were compared pre- and posttransport. However, when data for the six farms were combined, Campylobacter spp. were recovered (pre- versus posttransport) at comparable rates from the duodenum (74.7 versus 74.7%), ileum (87.3 versus 92.7%), ceca (64 versus 57%), colon (86.7 versus 80%), and spleen (0 versus 0%). After feed withdrawal, transport, and holding at the abattoir, there was an overall increase in Campylobacter spp. isolated from the gallbladder at the abattoir (14.7%) when compared with on-farm levels (0%, P < 0.05). When compared with on-farm levels (3%), the overall increase in Campylobacter spp. recovered from the crops of birds at the abattoir (24%) was significant (P < 0.05), which may be associated with a detectable decline in lactic acid in the emptied crop.
Nucleation and Growth in Elastodynamics

Solids undergoing martensitic phase transformations are currently a subject of intense interest in mechanics. In spite of recent progress in understanding the absolute stability of elastic phases under applied loads, the presence of metastable configurations remains a major puzzle. In this overview we presented the simplest possible discussion of nucleation and growth phenomena in the framework of the dynamical theory of elastic rods. We argue that the resolution of an apparent nonuniqueness at the continuum level requires “de-homogenization” of the main system of equations and the detailed description of the processes at micro scale.
Increasing optimal coagulation factor dosing in the paediatric emergency department: A quality improvement study.

INTRODUCTION Haemophilia is a disorder complicated by bleeding episodes that require emergent medical evaluation. Factor replacement dosing can present challenges for emergency department (ED) care. AIMS We aimed to reduce out-of-range factor dosing in the ED. Specifically, we sought to increase the number of haemophilia ED patient visits between encounters where sub-optimal factor dosing was administered from a baseline of 4-15 encounters. METHODS A chart review was completed on all patients with haemophilia A (HA) or B (HB) seen in the ED for injuries requiring factor concentrate from September 2015 to August 2016. Injuries were classified as minor-requiring a 50% factor correction or major-requiring a 100% factor correction. Optimal dosing range was defined as 90%-120% of the institutional guideline goal for the degree of injury. The predicted optimal dose range for each patient was compared to the actual dose administered. RESULTS Baseline data demonstrated optimal dosing range in 70% of encounters. There was no difference between patients with HA or HB in frequency of out-of-range dosing (P = 0.15). There was no difference in frequency of out-of-range dosing between types of clotting factor concentrate used. After initiation of quality improvement (QI) interventions, we achieved 16 encounters between out-of-range dosing, exceeding our goal of 15. However, this success was not sustained. CONCLUSION Optimal coagulation factor dosing is important for patient care and resource management. QI interventions promoted increased accuracy of factor dosing for patients with haemophilia seen in the ED.
A Predictive Analytics System for Forecasting Student Academic Performance: Insights from a Pilot Project at Eastern Washington University

Our work is focused on determining whether any correlation exists between preparatory classes taken by Electrical Engineering (EE) students at Eastern Washington University (EWU) early in their academic careers (e.g. Calculus and Physics sequences) and their departmental GPAs upon graduation. Using academic data from prior EE graduates, a machine learning algorithm was trained to predict with 85% certainty whether a student's GPA will fall above/below one standard deviation from the mean. This prediction can be used to channel university resources to support those students who need it the most. However, there is a significant prediction overlap for average students, i.e. those who fall within approximately one standard deviation around the mean. It is our conjecture that incorporating more major-specific data (e.g. grades in a set of core introductory level departmental courses) or a customized general aptitude test administered at the end of the sophomore year could improve the prediction accuracy for the average group.
Shifting Cattle Producer Beliefs on Stocking and Invasive Forage: Implications for Grassland Conservation☆

Abstract To advance the dialogue to define sustainable working landscapes, it is essential to include the perceptions, knowledge, and factors guiding decision making. We surveyed livestock producers in the Grand River Grasslands region of southern Iowa and northern Missouri, United States, to gain insight into key factors shaping decision making and perspectives on effective management practices in the eastern Great Plains, focusing in particular on demographic and social change and producer willingness to reduce stocking rate as a conservation practice. First, a longitudinal evaluation of livestock producer demographics in 2007 and 2017 revealed individuals were older and were renting grazing land to a greater extent than in 2007. Second, when making land management decisions, producers in 2017 focused on economic concerns more than environmental concerns compared with more balanced views in 2007. For those who prioritized the environment over economics, this prioritization was related to both higher levels of education and a willingness to reduce stocking rate (livestock production) if there is a positive conservation outcome. In contrast, a lower willingness to reduce stocking was associated with increasing rental acreage and prevalence of an invasive cool-season grass that responds favorably to heavy grazing (tall fescue, Schedonorus arundinaceus Schreb.). Regardless, about 37% of cattle producers representing ∼ 40% of the land area surveyed were at least moderately willing to reduce stocking rates to achieve a conservation outcome. In conclusion, our findings suggest that producers’ need to gain income from livestock may limit the willingness to enact a conservation practice similar to reduced stocking rates. However, there is clearly conservation receptiveness from a segment of the producer community, which indicates potential for improved conservation.
Wetness index based on landscape position and topography (WILT): Modifying TWI to reflect landscape position.

Department of Energy-Bioenergy Technologies Office and Savannah River Operations Office through the U.S. Forest Service Savannah River under Interagency Agreement [DE-AI09-00SR22188]
Bureaucratic Responsiveness to LGBT Americans

Marriage rights were extended to same‐sex couples in the United States in 2015. However, anecdotes of bureaucratic noncompliance (in the form of bias or denial of license issuance) raise the possibility that de jure marriage equality has not led to equality in practice. We investigate this by conducting a nationwide audit experiment of local‐level marriage license–granting officials in the United States. These officials vary in the constituencies they serve, as well as how they are selected, allowing us to evaluate long‐standing hypotheses about bureaucratic responsiveness. Overall, we find no evidence of systematic discrimination against same‐sex couples—regardless of responsiveness measure, institutions, ideology, or prior state legal history. We find, however, that among same‐sex couples, officials tended to be more responsive to lesbian couples. In contrast to evidence in other areas of service provision, such as policing and federal assistance programs, we find bureaucrats tasked with provision of marriage services show little evidence of discrimination.
Selections From the ABC 2019 Annual Conference, Detroit, Michigan: Dancin’ in Motown’s Streets to the Beat of My Favorite Assignments:

This article is the first in a two-part series. It features 13 teaching innovations selected from the 60 My Favorite Assignments presented at the 2019 Association for Business Communication’s annua...
Simulating nephron ion transport function using activated wafer electrodeionization

Current approaches for treating patients with end stage renal disease include hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, both of which are diffusion-based treatments that require a dialysate solution. The native kidney has separate filtration (glomerulus) and transport (nephron) capabilities. Although artificial methods for simulating glomerular function using membrane ultrafiltration have been proposed, there are no known technologies for simulating the ion transport functions of the nephron. Here we have created a synthetic nephron using activated wafer electrodeionization (AWEDI). AWEDI incorporates mesh electrodes within an electrodeionization wafer, allowing ion selectivity and transport rate to be modulated independently. We demonstrate the capabilities of AWEDI with several physiologically relevant ions which mimic the fine control of ion transport by the kidney. Furthermore, by integrating our AWEDI technology with ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis modules, the possibility of incorporating AWEDI technology in an artificial kidney is demonstrated. The nephrons in the kidney transport ions and organic molecules, but may not work effectively in patients with kidney disease. Here, a synthetic nephron is created, based on activated wafer electrodeionization, and shown to enable the transport of several physiologically relevant ions.
Stories of Calling: How Called Professionals Construct Narrative Identities:

Experiencing work as a calling has been described as the ideal of a truly positive experience of work. But what we know about how called professionals construct identities as people who are called ...
ETFs in Liquidity Provision

Index-tracking fixed-income ETFs have experienced an explosive growth spurt to reach $1 trillion in 2020. However, they suffered significant disruptions during the Covid-19 crisis. We show that bank balance sheet constraints were likely a contributing factor to these disruptions because bond ETF’s liquidity transformation crucially relies on arbitrage by authorized participants (APs), which are mostly dealer banks. We identify a key tension between liquidity transformation and index-tracking, two key functions performed by bond ETFs, and show that the constraints at dealer banks further exacerbate this tension. We find that increases in bank balance sheet costs, e.g., due to regulation, spill over to reduce both the liquidity transformation and index-tracking capacity of bond ETFs. Our results imply that the efficiency and stability of bond ETFs are contingent on that of the banking sector.
Insights into the Evolution of Circadian Clocks Gleaned from Bacteria

Circadian clocks are ubiquitous throughout the Tree of Life, being present in organisms from bacteria to mammals. These clocks are generally thought to increase the fitness of organisms by allowing the anticipation of and preparation for the predictable daily changes associated with Earth’s rotation. Here we consider what it takes to show that clocks indeed increase fitness and adaptiveness, as well as what bacteria can tell us about the evolution of clocks. We give a historical panorama of the experimental approaches that attempted to demonstrate the adaptive value of circadian clocks and explore current and future experiments that could facilitate an understanding of the adaptiveness of clocks in both intra- and interspecific contexts. Finally, we explain how studying bacteria can generate a greater appreciation and understanding for the general principles of the adaptive value of circadian clocks not only towards the daily cycle but also for the seasonal cycle, from both a past and future evolutionary perspective.