A basis theorem for the degenerate affine oriented Brauer-Clifford supercategory

We introduce the oriented Brauer-Clifford and degenerate affine oriented Brauer-Clifford supercategories. These are diagrammatically defined monoidal supercategories which provide combinatorial models for certain natural monoidal supercategories of supermodules and endosuperfunctors, respectively, for the Lie superalgebras of type Q. Our main results are basis theorems for these diagram supercategories. We also discuss connections and applications to the representation theory of the Lie superalgebra of type Q.Comment: 37 pages, many figures. Version 3 replaces the partial results from the previous versions with a proof by the first author of a basis theorem for cyclotomic quotients at all levels. Various other minor corrections and revisions were mad

Laser cleaning of the output window in a laser ignition system for gas turbines

Laser ignition (LI) of both liquid fuels and gaseous combustible mixtures in gas turbines offers the potential for reduced emissions and increased reliability. During the combustion process, carbon and other by-products accumulate on the walls of the combustion chamber. For laser based ignition systems, this could potentially reduce the transmissive properties of the output window required for transmission of the laser radiation into the combustion chamber. Presented in this paper is an empirical study into the laser cleaning of an output window for the removal of accumulated carbon prior to laser ignition, with the mechanism of removal discussed

Interpretation of HRCT Scans in the Diagnosis of IPF: Improving Communication Between Pulmonologists and Radiologists.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD). In this review, we describe the central role of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in the diagnosis of IPF and discuss how communication between pulmonologists and radiologists might be improved to make the interpretation of HRCT scans more effective. Clinical information is important in the interpretation of HRCT scans, as the likelihood that specific radiologic features reflect IPF is not absolute, but dependent on the clinical context. In cases where the clinical context or HRCT pattern are inconclusive, multidisciplinary discussion (MDD) between a pulmonologist and radiologist (and, where relevant, a pathologist and rheumatologist) experienced in the differential diagnosis of ILD is necessary to establish a diagnosis. While it can be challenging to convene a face-to-face meeting, MDD can be conducted virtually or by telephone to enable each specialty group to contribute. To make the MDD most effective, it is important that relevant clinical information (for example, on the patient's clinical history, exposures and the results of serological tests) is shared with all parties in advance. A common lexicon to describe HRCT features observed in ILD can also help improve the effectiveness of MDD. A working diagnosis may be made in patients who do not fulfill all the diagnostic criteria for any specific type of ILD, but this diagnosis should be reviewed at regular intervals, with repeat of clinical, radiological, and laboratory assessments as appropriate, as new information pertinent to the patient's diagnosis may become available

More than a Stereotype?: A Reflection on the Life of Benjamin Watkins Leigh

For my most recent, and likely final, foray into the Killed at Gettysburgdigital project, I delved into the story of Major Benjamin Watkins Leigh, Adjutant for “Alleghany” Johnson’s Division. This has certainly been a departure from my previous projects, Private Hannibal Howell of the 76th New York Infantry and Private James Bedell of the 7th Michigan Cavalry. Rather than examining unknown stories of Union privates, I worked to narrate the life and death of a Confederate officer. This was certainly a challenge, both because I lacked familiarity with Confederate primary sources and because of my inherent Unionist biases. I decided that the best way for me to approach the topic was to research someone with clear causes that motivated him as he joined the Confederate army. This way I wouldn’t need to presume his motivation and would instead be able to be fairly confident about why he chose to serve. Leigh’s immense wealth, familial upbringing by a father who was a vocal defender of slavery, and ownership of dozens of human beings makes it painfully clear that he understood the cause of the Confederacy to be the cause of furthering slavery. [excerpt

The challenge of securing durable reductions in child poverty in New Zealand

This article examines the causes of child poverty in New Zealand and how child poverty rates might be reduced.New Zealand has tolerated significant levels of relative child poverty for more than two decades. For a country which once prided itself on being comparatively egalitarian and, more particularly, on being a great place to bring up children, this is surprising. It is also concerning. Child poverty imposes many long-term costs. This is especially the case, according to the available evidence, when poverty occurs during early childhood and when it is severe and/or persistent. These costs afflict not only the children directly exposed to poverty (e.g. in the form of lower educational achievement, reduced lifetime earnings and poorer health outcomes), but also society as a whole. The wider social and economic costs include increased health care costs, lower productivity growth and higher rates of criminal offending. In short, the empirical evidence suggests that substantial rates of child poverty reduce a nation’s prosperity. Hence, on economic grounds alone there is a case for seeking lower child poverty rates. Other considerations, such as the pursuit of fair opportunities for all children, make such a goal even more compelling