cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Second harmonic generation in single-crystal thin membranes of LiNbO 3 fabricated by patterned He + ion implantation

We demonstrate room-temperature phase matching of second-harmonic generation by waveguide dispersion (WGD) in 3-mum-thick LiNbO3 membranes. The membranes were made using patterned deep-ion-implantation-guided etching.
Lon protease of the α-proteobacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens is required for normal growth, cellular morphology and full virulence

The ATP-dependent Lon (La) protease is ubiquitous in nature and regulates a diverse set of physiological responses in bacteria. In this paper a lon mutant of the alpha-proteobacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58 has been characterized. Unlike lon mutants of Escherichia coli, the lon mutant of A. tumefaciens grows very slowly, is not filamentous and exhibits normal resistance to UV irradiation. The mutant retains motility and chemotaxis, produces apparently normal amounts of exopolysacchride, but displays severe defects in cell morphology, with 80 % of the mutant cells appearing Y-shaped. Lon protease of A. tumefaciens shares high homology with its counterparts in E. coli and in Sinorhizobium meliloti, and functionally complements an E. coli lon mutant for defects in morphology and RcsA-mediated regulation of capsular polysaccharide production. Mutations at sites of Lon(At) corresponding to the ATP-binding site and the active site serine of the E. coli Lon protease abolish complementation of phenotypes of the A. tumefaciens and E. coli lon mutants. The nucleotide sequence upstream of A. tumefaciens lon contains an element similar to the consensus sigma(32) heat-shock promoter of E. coli. Northern and Western blot analyses indicated that expression of lon is induced by elevated temperature, albeit to a much lower level than that of groEL. The lon mutant is highly attenuated for virulence, suggesting that Lon may be required for the proper expression, assembly or function of the VirB/D4-mediated T-DNA transfer system.
The social mediation of a moral dilemma: appropriating the moral tools of others

Much effort, on a philosophical and a research basis, has been applied to the subject of moral development framed within a constructivist, Piagetian stage‐type format. These efforts have focused on the process of the individual's construction of a moral base and the individual's corresponding level of moral development. At this point in time, little research has been directed at analysing the sociocultural influences on morality construction, moral decision‐making and moral development within the framework of a specific developmental theory. This research examined the processes involved in the resolution of a moral dilemma within a group setting, and evaluated the usefulness of a Vygotskian theoretical base in analysing these observations. This study provides initial evidence supporting the utility of a Vygotskian conceptual model. Additional research exploring the importance of the social aspects of moral processing, reasoning and development is needed.
Mutation of p53 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma correlates with BCL-2 expression and increased susceptibility to cisplatin-induced apoptosis

Background. The p53 protein, a well-known tumor suppressor that functions primarily as a transcription factor, initiates cell cycle arrest and apoptosis after genotoxic stress. The antiapoptotic regulator Bcl-2 is a downstream modulator of p53-induced apoptosis. Loss of function of the p53 tumor suppressor through mutation is an important event that contributes to cellular transformation. Mutation of p53 is one of the most common genetic alterations in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN). We hypothesized that p53 mutation is associated with Bcl-2 expression and susceptibility to apoptosis in SCCHN. Methods. Exons 5 to 8 of the p53 gene were sequenced in 22 SCCHN tumor samples and correlated with the Bcl-2 expression and apoptosis rates in these tumors. In addition, a Bcl-2–expressing SCCHN cell line, UMSCC74B, was stably transfected with a temperature-sensitive mutant p53 construct, and Bcl-2 expression levels were examined at the mutant and the wild-type temperatures. Results. Bcl-2 expression was inversely correlated with wild-type p53 status in SCCHN tumors (p = .05). Furthermore, there was a modest increase (1.7-fold) in apoptosis in the wild-type p53 tumors compared with mutant p53 SCCHN. Immunoblotting of UMSCC74B cells stably transfected with the temperature-sensitive mutant p53 construct demonstrated that shifting these cells to the mutant p53 temperature (39.5°C) resulted in decreased expression of Bcl-2 compared with levels in cells grown at the wild-type p53 temperature (32.5°C). Further investigation showed that SCCHN cells expressing predominantly mutant p53 and decreased Bcl-2 were more susceptible to cisplatin-induced apoptosis than vector-transfected controls (p < .0001). Conclusions. These results suggest that p53 mutation directly modulates Bcl-2 expression and therefore susceptibility to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in SCCHN cells in vitro. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck26: 870–877, 2004
Rheumatoid Arthritis Synoviocyte Survival Is Dependent on Stat3

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fibroblasts (SFs) are relatively resistant to apoptosis and exhibit dysregulated growth secondary to production of autocrine-acting growth factors and the accumulation of cell-autonomous defects. Many of the cytokines and growth factors expressed during RA synovitis, including IL-6, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and platelet-derived growth factor, activate the transcription factor Stat3 that has been implicated in promoting cell growth and survival. We analyzed the role of Stat3 in mediating the abnormal growth and survival properties of RA synoviocytes using retroviral-mediated gene transfer of a dominant negative mutant of Stat3, termed Stat3-YF. Approximately 3- to 5-fold overexpression of Stat3-YF effectively blocked endogenous Stat3 activation and Stat3-dependent gene expression, including expression of the socs3 and myc genes. Stat3-YF-transduced RA synoviocytes failed to grow in culture, exhibited markedly diminished [(3)H]thymidine incorporation (>90% decreased), and died spontaneously. Cell death occurred by apoptosis, as confirmed by annexin V staining, propidium iodide exclusion, and identification of cells with subdiploid levels of DNA. In marked contrast to control cells, EGF accelerated death of Stat3-YF-transduced SFs, such that >90% of cells were dead within 24-48 h of transduction. These results indicate that ablation of Stat3 function converts EGF from a growth/survival factor for RA synoviocytes to a death factor. Stat3-YF also induced apoptosis in osteoarthritis synoviocytes, and levels of apoptosis were increased by exogenous EGF. Apoptosis in Stat3-YF-transduced osteoarthritis synoviocytes was suppressed when Stat1 activity was blocked using a dominant negative Stat1 mutant. Our results identify Stat3 as an important molecule for RA SF survival, and suggest that Stat3 may represent a good target for gene therapy.
Exploring the Inner and Outer Cultural Landscapes of Counseling Candidates towards Diverse Students and Families through Self-Reflection.

This article presents an interpersonal methodology designed to increase the cultural awareness of counselor candidates. This methodology was implemented through a sequence of activities, which was part of a multicultural course in the counseling credential program in a university located in Southern California. The goal was to enrich future counselor practices by promoting self-reflection processes of personal cultural beliefs. The responses of counselor candidates, gathered through two surveys, suggest that understanding their identities will ease the process of creating bridges between them and the cultural richness of students and their parents.
Parallel simulation of Markovian queueing networks

Consider simulating a large queueing network, i.e., one with many queues and jobs, on a parallel computer. Suppose the network is partitioned so that each processor is assigned a set of queues to simulate. The basic difficulty in parallel simulation is synchronizing the simulation clocks on each of the processors so that events appear to get executed in the proper order. If the network possesses a Markovian structure, then algorithms described by the authors (1993) can be used to simplify the clock synchronization problem. For appropriately structured queueing networks, these algorithms are quite efficient and large speedups have been obtained; in one example a speedup of 220 was measured on 256 processors of the Intel Touchstone Delta computer. >
Mechanical properties and ionic conductivity of electrospun quaternary ammonium ionomers

Abstract Solution processable cationic ionomers are receiving widespread attention for their promising roles as anionic exchange membranes, antimicrobial coatings, and dialysis membranes. The ion conductivity can be improved by increasing the material's ion-exchange capacity; however this often results in poor mechanical properties. Here we report the synthesis of solution processable polysulfone ionomers with a tunable density of quaternary ammonium functional groups. Electrospinning is explored to create fibrous mats that can be solvent welded and filled with a second material to modulate membrane properties. The tradeoff between hydroxide anion conductivity and mechanical properties in solution cast and electrospun mats is assessed, and electrospinning is shown to improve mechanical properties of the fiber phase with relatively small losses in ion conductivity.
Africa Since 1940: The recurrent crises of the gatekeeper state

African states were successors in a double sense. First, they were built on a set of institutions – bureaucracies, militaries, post offices, and (initially) legislatures – set up by colonial regimes, as well as on a principle of state sovereignty sanctified by a community of already existing states. In this sense, African states have proven highly durable: borders have remained largely unchanged, and virtually every piece of Africa is recognized from outside as a territorial entity, regardless of the effective power of the actual government within that space. Even failed states – those unable to provide order and services for their citizens – are still states and derive resources from outside for that reason. Second, African states took up a particular, and more recent, form of the state project of colonialism: development. African political parties in the 1950s and 1960s generally insisted that only an African government could insure that development would serve the interests of “their” people. Here, continuity is less striking. By the 1970s in most African states, the development slogan had become either tragedy or farce, and people now viewed such claims with either bitterness at the politicians who developed their own wealth at the people's expense, or a continued yearning for development in the form of schools, hospitals, marketing facilities, and a chance to earn money and respect. The early governments thus aspired both to define their authority over territory which, however arbitrary its borders, was now theirs, and to build something on that territory.
SPHERES Reconfigurable Framework and Control System Design for Autonomous Assembly

Reconfigurable control system design is a key component for enabling autonomous on -orbit asse mbly. Current resea rch on reconfigurable control system s focuses on adapting to failures. However, for assembly scenarios, the reconfiguration is necessitated by changing mass and stiffness properties. This paper provides a brief description of existing reconfigurable control system technology and develops a framework to incorporate reconfiguration into an existing baseline system to account for mass property variations . The reconfigurable control system framework has been developed and implemented using the SPHERES (Synchronized Position Hold Engage Reorient Experimental Satellites) testbed as the baseline system. The framework highlights the elements that need to be updated, introduces a variable p that captures the configuration, and details the updat es necessary in the key algorithms to calculate the model on line using p. Results are presented from the implementation on the SPHERES , focusing on the reconfigurable estimator . Plans are presented for an integrated assembly test that demonstrates the ma intenance of stability, fuel efficiency, and accuracy throughout configuration changes that occur during assembly.
On Being in an Undiscoverable Position

The Paradox of the Surprise Examination has been a testing ground for a variety of frameworks in formal epistemology, from epistemic logic to probability theory to game theory and more (see Chow 2011 for references). In this paper, I will treat a related paradox, the Paradox of the Undiscoverable Position (from Sorensen 1982, 1988), as a test case for the possible-worlds style representation of epistemic states. I will argue that the paradox can be solved in this framework, further illustrating the power of possibleworlds style modeling. The solution will also illustrate an important distinction between anti-performatory and unassimilable announcements of information. The Paradox of the Undiscoverable Position is based on a game played in the following figure:
DEVELOPMENT OF CHINESE ELECTRICAL CALCINER

The present paper summarized the development history of chinese electrically calcined anthracite and the progresses of technique of chinese electrical calciner, and compared with the main technique paramenter of the modem eletrical calciners of foreign countries D.C. electrical calciner was thought as the development tendency from now on.
Optimal Evasion Trajectory of an Uncertain Guided Air Combat Missile Based on Receding Horizon Control

The evasion of guided missiles is of a great importance to survive in air combat.The accurate decision of the coming missile guidance will make a contribution to get a better manenver.Thus,a new method has been put forward to simulate the avoiding route when the guidance is unknown.The guidance rate can be acquired by Bayes throrem,and the control factors can be updated via Receding Horizon Control.Finally,missile avoidance can be accomplished.
VALIDITY INVESTIGATION OF COMPONENT TRANSPORT IN ALKALINE FLOODING PROCESS

The mathematical model of alkaline - component transport in porous media was established, in which the needed physical - chemistry parameters were expressed as the related functions of flooding agent concentration. Annualized with 'Effective Zone', the mechanism that adsorption, slug size, displacement velocity, dispersion - diffusion influence on validity of alkaline - component transport processes is analyzed. Based on these, the validity and durability of NaOH transport in porous media in Daqing Oilfield ASP system were further studied, and the results of the simulator proved to be well concerted with physical simulation results. The simulator can not only replace part of flow experiment and auxiliary mechanism analysis, but also provide a guidance for alkaline and ASP flooding engineering and technology design and dynamic behavior monitoring.
Concerted actions of IL-1β inhibit Na+ absorption and stimulate anion secretion by IMCD cells

Increasing evidence indicates that factors other than adrenocorticoid hormones can influence long-term regulation of Na+ transport by inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells. We now report that, of 14 interleukins tested, only interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and IL-1β inhibited Na+ transport by primary cultures of rat IMCD. IL-1β reduced both basal and mineralocorticoid (MC)-stimulated Na+ transport by 50–70%; its effect on glucocorticoid (GC)-stimulated Na+ transport was significantly less. IL-1β continued to blunt MC stimulation of Na+ transport even after it had been removed from the medium for 24 h. The onset of action to inhibit Na+ transport was within 20 min. The acute effect from the basolateral surface was greater than that from the apical surface, but the effect from each surface was additive. In addition to its inhibitory effect on Na+ transport, chronic IL-1β exposure increased both basal and cAMP-stimulated anion secretion rates. IL-1β had no acute effect on anion secretion. Monolayers chronicall...
Routine use of etomidate and temporary vessel occlusion during aneurysm surgery

This study included 72 cases of surgically treated aneurysms, Hunt and Hess Grades 1-4, operated on within 72 hours of the ictus. All had anterior circulation aneurysms, and exposure was standard pterional approach. Once dissection had progressed to the point that the site of the aneurysm was identified, the patient was placed in burst suppression (6-8 bursts/minute), using etomidate 0.5 mg/Kg, with a constant infusion of 12 mg/min to maintain burst suppression. Sugita temporary clips were applied to the feeding vessel(s), the C1 or C4 portion of the carotid artery, the A1 segment(s) of the anterior cerebral or M1 segment of MCA. For ACOM aneurysms. Heubner was not included in the clip, and for MCA aneurysm an attempt was made to apply the clip distal to the lenticulostriates. Mean arterial pressure was elevated by 10% with neosynephrine. Once the temporary clips were applied, dissection of the neck and final clipping was accomplished, followed by removal of the temporary clips. Clip placement was inspected to assess for complete obliteration of the lesion. In 40% of cases, two or more permanent clips were required for aneurysmal obliteration. Occlusion time ranged from 3 to 63 minutes. Reperfusion at 5 minute intervals was not performed, based on the hypothesis that reperfusional injury potentiates an ischaemic insult. No vessel injury occurred as a result of temporary clip placement, as assessed by direct visual inspection at the time of surgery and angiographic picture one week following surgery. No new neurologic deficit was encountered postoperatively in any patient in the distribution of the occluded vessel.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Self-Image of Elderly and Non-Elderly Consumers: Implications for Marketing Managers

Data were collected on actual and ideal self-image of elderly and non-elderly consumers. The objective was to investigate the differences between the actual and ideal self-images of elderly and non-elderly consumers. The results indicated that there were indeed significant differences. Recommendations were offered to marketers regarding their product positioning and promotion strategies in targeting to the elderly consumers.
Beyond Helper Phage: Using "Helper Cells" to Select Peptide Affinity Ligands.

Peptides are important affinity ligands for microscopy, biosensing, and targeted delivery. However, because they can have low affinity for their targets, their selection from large naive libraries can be challenging. When selecting peptidic ligands from display libraries, it is important to: 1) ensure efficient display; 2) maximize the ability to select high affinity ligands; and 3) minimize the effect of the display context on binding. The "helper cell" packaging system has been described as a tool to produce filamentous phage particles based on phagemid constructs with varying display levels, while remaining free of helper phage contamination. Here we report on the first use of this system for peptide display, including the systematic characterization and optimization of helper cells, their inefficient use in antibody display and their use in creating and selecting from a set of phage display peptide libraries. Our libraries were analyzed with unprecedented precision by standard or deep sequencing, and shown to be superior in quality than commercial gold standards. Using our helper cell libraries, we have obtained ligands recognizing Yersinia pestis surface antigen F1V and L-glutamine-binding periplasmic protein QBP. In the latter case, unlike any of the peptide library selections described so far, we used a combination of phage and yeast display to select intriguing peptide ligands. Based on the success of our selections we believe that peptide libraries obtained with helper cells are not only suitable, but preferable to traditional phage display libraries for selection of peptidic ligands.
Social media analytics: Security and privacy issues

Social media (SM) have gained widespread usage in public and private domains. Individuals and organizations use SM to express themselves, to shape political agenda, to gain public acceptance, to bu...
A Critique of Modeling Population Responses for Mammalian Central Neurons

We must still be extremely cautious in accepting the conclusions reached by modeling the responses of neurons in the central mammalian nervous system. Although we know a great deal about the properties of mammalian central neurons, very little quantitative information is available. For example, although the passive membrane properties of motoneurons have been analyzed in great detail (Rall, 1977), there are now new experiments suggesting that the estimates of membrane resistivity made a decade ago (Barrett and Crill, 1974) may be too low. Experimental results from Robert Burke’s laboratory are best explained by nonuniform passive properties over the soma and dendritic tree (Fleshman et al., 1982; Rall, 1982). The point is that we do not even have reliable quantitative values for these relatively simple linear properties of central neurons.
Boosting Graduation Rates in Texas Through Education Savings Accounts

Graduating from high school is a crucial outcome for young people. Unfortunately, 12 percent of Texas students fail to earn the vital credential of a high school diploma. Private school choice has a proven track record of increasing graduation rates. In this study I draw upon prior research, Texas demographics, and conservative assumptions to forecast that the launch of a universal private school choice program in the form of Education Savings Accounts in the fall of 2017 would generate 11,809 additional high school graduates in the Lone Star State by 2022. In other words, of those students attending high school today, or entering high school within a year, an additional 11,809 students will graduate with the passage of ESAs in Texas. This is a conservative projection and the numbers will also grow over time.
Description and Classification of Diazotrophs

In comparative biology it is normally observed that organisms possessing a common function also tend to have certain distinguishing physiological, metabolic, structural and genetic characteristics. The organisms which can use N2 to meet their nitrogen requirement, however, appear to violate this rule: except for the ability to fix N2, these organisms, the diazotrophs, have little else in common. They comprise an incongruous mixture made up primarily of certain bacteria and algae, but also encompassing, in a unique participation, certain higher plants. However, it appears increasingly evident that the enzyme nitrogenase occurs naturally only in prokaryotic cells. Some genetic bridges and barriers do appear to exist among them, but often with little obvious logic. The inclusion of aerobic, facultative, anaerobic and photosynthetic organisms among the diazotrophs attests to their physiological and metabolic diversity. Representatives of major classes of diazotrophs are shown in Fig. 2-1.
Tin Smelting in Brazil

A new tin smelting plant—Cia. Estanifera do Brasil—which is perhaps one of the most integrated units in the world is described. The plant is unique in its ability to treat a wide variety of pure Thailand ores, relatively impure African ores, foul Bolivian ores, and ores from various provinces of Brazil, as well as a wide range of residues, drosses, and tin-containing materials. The entire smelting operation including ore treatment, primary smelting, slag treatment, and electrolytic refining are described in detail. In addition, slag processing, powder metallurgy techniques, quality control, and operating recoveries are discussed.
Implementation of an institution-wide acute stroke algorithm: Improving stroke quality metrics.

BACKGROUND In May 2012, an updated stroke algorithm was implemented at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The current study objectives were to: (1) describe the process of implementing a new stroke algorithm and (2) compare pre- and post-algorithm quality improvement (QI) metrics, specificaly door to computed tomography time (DTCT), door to neurology time (DTN), and door to tPA administration time (DTT). METHODS Our institutional stroke algorithm underwent extensive revision, with a focus on removing variability, streamlining care, and improving time delays. The updated stroke algorithm was implemented in May 2012. Three primary stroke QI metrics were evaluated over four separate 3-month time points, one pre- and three post-algorithm periods. RESULTS The following data points improved after algorithm implementation: average DTCT decreased from 39.9 to 12.8 min (P < 0.001); average DTN decreased from 34.1 to 8.2 min (P ≤ 0.001), and average DTT decreased from 62.5 to 43.5 min (P = 0.17). CONCLUSION A new stroke protocol that prioritized neurointervention at our institution resulted in significant lowering in the DTCT and DTN, with a nonsignificant improvement in DTT.
SYNTHESIS OF THE SOUTHEAST ATMOSPHERE STUDIES: Investigating Fundamental Atmospheric Chemistry Questions

AbstractThe Southeast Atmosphere Studies (SAS), which included the Southern Oxidant and Aerosol Study (SOAS); the Southeast Nexus (SENEX) study; and the Nitrogen, Oxidants, Mercury and Aerosols: Distributions, Sources and Sinks (NOMADSS) study, was deployed in the field from 1 June to 15 July 2013 in the central and eastern United States, and it overlapped with and was complemented by the Studies of Emissions, Atmospheric Composition, Clouds and Climate Coupling by Regional Surveys (SEAC4RS) campaign. SAS investigated atmospheric chemistry and the associated air quality and climate-relevant particle properties. Coordinated measurements from six ground sites, four aircraft, tall towers, balloon-borne sondes, existing surface networks, and satellites provide in situ and remotely sensed data on trace-gas composition, aerosol physicochemical properties, and local and synoptic meteorology. Selected SAS findings indicate 1) dramatically reduced NOx concentrations have altered ozone production regimes; 2) indica...
Women at War: Understanding the Impacts of Combat on Women’s Educational Attainment

This paper offers a first view on the potential economic outcomes for American women serving along-side men in combat roles. Specifically, this paper examines the impact of deployment and exposure ...
Stable and Unstable Bioenergetics in Vivo

This symposium, up to this point has focused on the biochemistry and molecular biology of mitochondrial energy conservation with the aspiration that the principles would be applicable to medical and biological problems in vivo. To this point, this paper attempts to realize this aspiration and to establish the applicability of basic principles of biochemistry in vivo in normal and genetically disturbed/altered metabolic states.
Comparative pumping rates in suspension-feeding bivalves

Pumping rates in undisturbed suspension-feeding bivalves were measured with a thermistor microflowmeter. Pumping rates are related to the dry weight of Clinocardium nuttallii, Macoma nasuta, Mytilus californianus and Chlamys hastata as the following equations: P=0.85 W0.84, P=0.23 W0.855, P=2.216 W0.715, and P=2.419 W0.943 respectively. Pumping rate and gill area increase at the same rate in C. nuttallii, M. californianus and C. hastata. The pumping rate per unit gill area is highest for C. nuttallii (approximately 0.14 cm3/s/cm2), with intermediate values for M. californianus (∼0.08 cm3/s/cm2) and C. hastata (∼0.11 cm3/s/cm2); the lowest rate was found in the deposit-feeder M. nasuta (∼0.0057 to 0.0089 cm3/s/cm2), which also has the smallest gill to body weight. C. nuttallii has the relatively smallest gill of the suspension feeders and the highest pumping rate per unit gill area. The absolute pumping rates, however, were highest for the filibranchs M. californianus and C. hastata. Indications are given that these differences are the results of different fluid-mechanical/ecological strategies to minimize the cost-benefit ratio.
Tunable Conducting Oxide Epsilon-Near-Zero Meta-Devices

This talk will review our recent development on an electrically tunable conducting oxide metasurface that can tune the optical phase and amplitude and a broadband, tunable, and ultrathin conducting oxide epsilon-near-zero perfect absorber.
Using Learning Analytics to Examine Relationships Between Learners’ Usage Data with Their Profiles and Perceptions: A Case Study of a MOOC Designed for Working Professionals

In this study, we investigated how participants in a MOOC designed for working professionals interacted with various key course components of the MOOC (e.g., discussion forums, readings, videos, quizzes, optional resources) and the usage patterns connected to participants’ profiles and perceptions. The results showed an overall declining trend of usage across all interaction events, which are aligned with previous studies. Major decline occurred in the first 2 weeks of the MOOC, suggesting that early interventions are crucial to enhance retention. One important finding was that extrinsic motivation may influence MOOC learners’ engagement in terms of participation in discussion forums for courses related to professional development. Therefore, course designers and instructors should consider providing some interventions or incentives to motivate participants to continue. Findings are discussed.
Moore vs. Murphy: Tradeoffs between complexity and reliability in distributed energy system scheduling using software-as-a-service

Abstract Software-based optimization of building control strategies, including scheduling, has the potential to improve the performance of existing complex heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), storage, and other systems—especially if temporally variable energy production, such as solar thermal or photovoltaics, is included. If reductions in energy bills can be achieved using optimized control strategies that take advantage of cost-saving opportunities, such as time-of-use pricing, the additional bill savings can cover further efficiency investment costs. As computer processing becomes cheaper over time (Moore’s Law), opportunities to perform complex control optimization become more abundant, and these can be performed remotely as software-as-a-service (SaaS). However, by “perfecting” our control strategies, we run an increased risk that when something unexpected happens (Murphy’s Law), the consequences of failure are greater. This study used simulation to explore the potential benefits of HVAC schedule optimization, delivery, and implementation using a SaaS paradigm, at various levels of complexity. Implementing optimal schedules in a model of an efficient building’s HVAC system, the study predicts energy cost savings of up to 10% compared to the naive reference control strategy. Optimizing more system control variables increases the potential energy cost savings; however, these savings could be compromised by failures in communication inherent in delivering schedules via SaaS. The additional cost of energy resulting from the risk of increased demand charges generally increased with increased communication failure to a much larger extent than the risk of increased energy use charges. This work suggests that moderate improvements in performance, achieved at low cost by simple means, may be more effective than highly optimized schemes, which are more susceptible to failure due to their dependence on complex interactions between systems.
Analog Computing for Deep Learning: Algorithms, Materials & Architectures

Analog, or neuromorphic, computing for Deep Learning (DL) utilizes the fact that matrix manipulations that are inherent in the back-propagation algorithm, can be performed at constant time, in parallel, on arrays with nonvolatile memory (NVM) elements in which the weights are encoded. We discuss the NVM material requirements that need to be met to achieve a classification accuracy on par with the conventional digital approaches, discuss advantages and drawbacks, and highlight opportunities that can take advantage using analog arrays.
An Ionomeric Renewable Thermoplastic from Lignin‐Reinforced Rubber

An ionomeric, leathery thermoplastic with high mechanical strength is prepared by a new thermal processing method from a soft, melt-processable rubber. Compositions made by incorporation of equal-mass lignin, a renewable oligomeric feedstock, in an acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber often yield weak rubbers with large lignin domains (1-2 µm). The addition of zinc chloride (ZnCl2 ) in such a composition based on sinapyl alcohol-rich lignin during a solvent-free synthesis induces a strong interfacial crosslinking between lignin and rubber phases. This compositional modification results in finely interspersed lignin domains (<100 nm) that essentially reinforce the rubbery matrix with a 10-22 °C rise in the glassy-to-rubbery transition temperature. The ion-modified polymer blends also show improved materials properties, like a 100% increase in ultimate tensile strength and an order of magnitude rise in Young's modulus. Coarse-grained molecular dynamics (MD) simulations verify the morphology and dynamics of the ionomeric material. The computed result also confirms that the ionomers have glassy characteristics.
Ultrathin-Body TiO 2 Thin Film Transistors With Record On-Current Density, ON/OFF Current Ratio, and Subthreshold Swing via O 2 Annealing

In this letter, we report ultrathin-body (~15 nm) TiO2 thin film transistors (TFTs) with unprecedented electrical performance: ON-current density ( $I_{\text{on}}$ ) of 16.7 mA/mm, ON/OFF current ratio ( $I_{\text{ON}}/I_{\text{OFF}}$ ) of $1.2 \times 10^{9}$ and subthreshold swing (SS) of 101 mV/dec. The TiO2 channel layer was deposited by thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) followed by post-annealing in O2 ambient. The material characterizations indicate the formation of anatase TiO2 polycrystalline films and a lack of detectable oxygen vacancies, which could have acted as charging traps in channel and channel/dielectric interface, benefiting the $I_{\text{ON}}$ and the SS. These high-performance ultrathin-body TiO2 TFTs open a new venue in many applications such as high-resolution display and radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag, where high on currents and steep SS are required.
Poverty and Children's Language in Anthropolitical Perspective

From the “verbal deprivation” and “restricted codes” of the 1960s to contemporary “language gap” discourses, deficit models of children's language have been posited to explain social ills ranging f...
Ibn ʿArabī and Wilāya

This chapter concerns with the biography, studies, journeys, and bibliography of Ibn ʿArabi (d. 637 H/1240), followed by his conceptualizations of the key terms including wilāya, the seal of wilāya (khatm al-wilāya), nubuwwa (prophethood), khilāfa (vicegerency), and al-insān al-kāmil (the Perfect Man). The author intends to show how he was inspired by previous mystics and mystical traditions which were available in his time, what he added to the existing traditions, and what he left as his legacy for future generations. Focusing on several of his texts, such as Fuṣūṣ al-Ḥikam, ʿAnqāʾ Mughrib, Risālat al-Anwār, and Tajaliyāt ul-Ilāhiya, we learned that although wilāya was a well-established concept in the deepest soil of Islamic mysticism, but it was Ibn ʿArabi who promoted it to a creative construction at the heart of his theory on waḥdat-i wujūd.
Statistical approaches to accelerate the development of long-acting antiretrovirals for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis.

Purpose of reviewThis review considers statistical issues in the design and analysis of the studies used to develop long-acting formulations of antiretrovirals for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).Recent findingAn abundant pipeline of products is maturing. Accelerating their evaluation as clinical pr
An interdisciplinary approach to injecting computer science into the K-12 classroom

As society's use of technology expands, students are using computers and technology at increasingly younger ages; however, enrollment and graduation rates in college-level computer science programs are decreasing [2, 8]. As a result, the need for professionals in the field of software development is rapidly outpacing the supply of graduates [9]. According to The National Association of Colleges and Employers, computer science ranks as one of the top five highest-paying career paths and is projected to further expand within the next decade [6]. To bridge the gap between poor enrollment and technology-related job force needs, computer science topics must be introduced at both the elementary and secondary education levels. In general, students are exiting the K-12 program with a lack of skills or even exposure to computer science and other STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields [3, 4, 5]. Introducing creative and fun interdisciplinary study into K-12 curricula holds promise for bringing more young scholars to the field of computer science. In this paper, we explore potential computer science topics and how they can effectively be integrated into K-12 curricula in an interdisciplinary fashion to support STEM initiatives, including efforts to also increase enrollment numbers for women and underrepresented minorities [3, 4, 5].
Contemporary optimization application through geographic information systems

Abstract The significance of optimization cannot be overstated. It is literally relied upon or responsible for much of what we see and do on a daily basis, with many service systems designed and managed to perform as best as possible. This review paper highlights the increased application of optimization through geographic information systems (GIS) to support management and decision making. A broad perception in management science and optimization circles is that GIS is merely a database system facilitating access to data, mapping and summary analysis. However, optimization is actually available through basic functionality in many GIS packages. This review identifies many of the optimization capabilities available in GIS, and is significant because there is a steady and growing trend of publication in academic and other outlets reporting application efforts that rely on GIS-based optimization. GIS usage is facilitated by user-friendly point-and-click access. This no doubt explains increased management planning involving GIS, making this review important for many reasons. Availability of optimization tools and techniques in GIS translates into use, often by individuals that likely do not understand the underlying models and methods. The growing significance of contemporary GIS software as a management and business analytic medium makes this a timely and important review topic, and suggests that increased interest in the capabilities provided in GIS is essential in order to ensure that optimization methods are appropriately and meaningfully applied in practice.
Diversity and Inclusion in the Academic Medicine Workforce

In this chapter, we’ll explore the value of diversity and inclusion in academic medicine. Data is presented demonstrating a current “sense of urgency” that underscores the challenges of diversifying its academic workforce. The chapter will end with a general overview describing the array of pathways into academic medicine and a reflection activity for readers to consider when choosing a path that best aligns with their personal and professional interests.
The Neurobiology of Binge-eating Disorder Compared with Obesity: Implications for Differential Therapeutics

Abstract Purpose Emerging work indicates divergence in the neurobiologies of binge-eating disorder (BED) and obesity despite their frequent co-occurrence. This review highlights specific distinguishing aspects of BED, including elevated impulsivity and compulsivity possibly involving the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system, and discusses implications for differential therapeutics for BED. Methods This narrative review describes epidemiologic, clinical, genetic, and preclinical differences between BED and obesity. Subsequently, this review discusses human neuroimaging work reporting differences in executive functioning, reward processing, and emotion reactivity in BED compared with obesity. Finally, on the basis of the neurobiology of BED, this review identifies existing and new therapeutic agents that may be most promising given their specific targets based on putative mechanisms of action relevant specifically to BED. Findings BED is characterized by elevated impulsivity and compulsivity compared with obesity, which is reflected in divergent neurobiological characteristics and effective pharmacotherapies. Therapeutic agents that influence both reward and executive function systems may be especially effective for BED. Implications Greater attention to impulsivity/compulsivity-related, reward-related, and emotion reactivity–related processes may enhance conceptualization and treatment approaches for patients with BED. Consideration of these distinguishing characteristics and processes could have implications for more targeted pharmacologic treatment research and interventions.
Estimating Chinese foreign health aid: an analysis of AidData's Global Chinese Official Finance dataset

Abstract Background Chinese global health aid has expanded tremendously since the 2000s. Unlike many donors, China has no official aid reporting obligations, nor does it voluntarily disclose detailed aid information. Therefore, several third parties have attempted to estimate China's health aid footprint. However, current estimates use varied definitions of health aid, geographic regions, and time spans. These distinct methodological approaches make comparisons of Chinese aid to other aid donors difficult. Our study builds on previous tracking efforts and improves on them by creating a standardised estimate using commonly accepted definitions of aid and frameworks for categorising health projects. Methods We categorised AidData's Chinese Official Finance Dataset health-related projects according to health aid frameworks from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). Only projects that fitted the definition of official development assistance were included. We analysed data by both total project count and financial value to assess priority health-aid focus areas for China. We also provide an updated estimate for projects with missing financial values in AidData's database by applying the median cost of similar projects to projects with missing financial values, allowing for comparison with other donors. Findings Between 2000 and 2014, China funded 620 health-related aid projects, which made up more than 20% of its total aid project portfolio. Most of these projects were located in Africa. According to the OECD framework, the priority focus areas of these 620 projects were: basic health care, such as medical teams, drugs, and medicine (n=244, 36%); malaria control (118, 19%); medical services, such as specialty equipment, infrastructure and services (108, 17%); and basic health infrastructure (78, 13%). According to the IHME framework, health-systems strengthening accounted for 70% (n=434) of total projects, primarily due to China's contributions to human resources for health, infrastructure, and equipment. The only other significant allocation under the IHME framework was malaria (n=118, 19%). When we estimate missing financial values, we noted that China was the fourth largest health aid donor to African countries from 2008–2014, after the USA, UK, and Canada. Interpretation These findings enable a better understanding of Chinese health aid in the absence of transparent aid reporting. Such understanding could lead to better coordination, collaboration, and resource allocation for both fellow donors and recipient countries. Funding Huang Fellows Program, Duke University Science & Society (PK).
A national profile of health-focused caregiving activities prior to a new cancer diagnosis.

Abstract Background Little is known about how unpaid family caregivers may already be engaged in caregiving activities prior to their care recipient's cancer diagnosis. We examined pre-cancer diagnosis caregiving patterns and their association with caregiving strain. Methods We conducted a population-based analysis of 2011–2017 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) linked with the National Study of Caregiving (NSOC) and Medicare claims data. Latent class analysis was used to examine patterns of 16 health-focused caregiving tasks (e.g., tracking medications, making appointments) of family caregivers assisting adults ≥65 years prior to an incident cancer diagnosis. High caregiving strain was defined as a total score ≥ 85th percentile of 6 caregiving strain items (e.g., financial difficulty, no time for self). Association between caregiving patterns and strain were examined using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for care recipient and caregiver characteristics. Results An estimated 4.2 million caregivers cared for older adults prior to care recipients' new cancer diagnoses during 2011–2017. They engaged in a median of four health-focused caregiving activities. Nearly 1-in-5 (18.7%) pre-cancer caregivers had high caregiving strain. Caregivers were classified into 3 health-focused caregiving activity classes: Low-level (41.2%), Moderate-coordination (29.3%), and High-intensity (29.4%). Higher caregiving activity was associated with higher caregiving strain (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.85, 95% CI: 2.34–6.33). Caregivers in the High-intensity class had the highest caregiving strain (39.9%), and included more spouses (28.1% vs Conclusion One-third of U.S. caregivers who help older adults prior to their cancer diagnoses are already highly strained and engaged in high-level health-focused caregiving tasks. Oncology clinicians should assess the capacity and strain of family caregivers who may already be supporting patients with new cancer diagnoses and refer caregivers to additional supportive care services.