Potomac Institute for Policy Studies

ABSTRACT Nanomaterials has been widely adopted in asphalt binder modification in pavement engineering. Considering the advantage of nano-Al2O3 in high-temperature resistance and chemical stability, this study investigated the feasibility of the nano-Al2O3 used in asphalt modification in terms of performances and mechanisms. The impact of the nano-Al2O3 content on modified asphalt binder’s pavement performance was analyzed via aging resistance, low temperature performance, high temperature performance, and bonding performance using various tests (e.g. DSR test, BBR test, RTFOT test, and BBS test). Results showed that the nano-Al2O3 is capable of improving base asphalt’s aging resistance, high temperature performance and bonding performance, while bringing an insignificant adverse impact on performance at low temperatures simultaneously. Moreover, modification mechanisms of the asphalt binder under the modification of nano-Al2O3 were revealed from a view of functional groups and molecular characteristics via Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) tests and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests. According to the result, modification of base asphalt binder by nano-Al2O3 belongs to physical blended and inhibits the growth of sulfoxide groups during the aging process. Meanwhile, the nano-Al2O3 increases the base asphalt binder’s molecular weight based on LMS percentage, number-average and weight-average.

Neuroscience and the use of both assessment and interventional neurotechnologies are being increasingly regarded as viable techniques and tools within psychiatric research and practice. As Martha F...

John R. Shook rejects traditional philosophical and psychological approaches to the problem of other minds, which unjustifiably isolate internal mind from external world and wrongly prioritize individualistic and reductivist explanations for cognition. Both philosophical considerations and recent social neuroscience point the way toward a thoroughly social approach to the development of mentality in the context of cooperative interaction. Key features of cognition such as joint attention, intentionality, and agency naturally emerge in young childhood through participation in group activities. Understanding of other minds gradually emerges right along in step with the development of one’s own mind, so the philosophical “problem” of knowing other minds is sociologically dissolved.

Brüne's proposal that erstwhile 'vulnerability' genes need to be reconsidered as 'plasticity' genes, given the potential for certain environments to yield increased positive function in the same domain as potential dysfunction, has implications for psychiatric nosology as well as a more dynamic understanding of the relationship between genes and culture. In addition to validating neuropsychiatric spectrum disorder nosologies by calling for similar methodological shifts in gene-environment-interaction studies, Brüne's position elevates the importance of environmental contexts - inclusive of socio-cultural variables - as mechanisms that contribute to clinical presentation. We assert that when models of susceptibility to plasticity and neuropsychiatric spectrum disorders are concomitantly considered, a new line of inquiry emerges into the co-evolution and co-determination of socio-cultural contexts and endophenotypes. This presents potentially unique opportunities, benefits, challenges, and responsibilities for research and practice in psychiatry.Please see related manuscript: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/10/38

Abstract Medical assistance undertakings have a long history of engendering positive international relations and fostering domestic stability. Interactions ranging from military medical civic action program (MEDCAP) missions to nongovernmental organization (NGO) efforts have demonstrated effectiveness, yet this capability is not routinely available in a meaningful way to the Secretary of State or the extended diplomatic community. MEDCAP and other global military presences can generate positive reactions, but can also be tainted by host nation suspicions of ulterior motives. In this paper, the authors posit that an organized, global public health presence would support international diplomacy while also establishing a worldwide surveillance capability for emerging communicable diseases.