cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oil supply and oil politics: Déjà Vu all over again

President Bush has identified US dependence on imported oil as an urgent energy, economic, and national security concern. The President's energy plan promotes the development of domestic resources, based on the assumption that economic incentives and the opening of frontier areas for exploration will increase domestic production. If realized, this will reduce dependence on imported oil and reduce OPEC's ability to affect aggregate oil supply and price. The evidence suggests, however, that this policy will not increase significantly US production of crude oil, will not reduce significantly OPEC's influence, and it will distort the US macroeconomy. Even if allowed, production from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge will have a negligible impact on the world oil markets. Further subsidies to the oil industry will divert resources from other more productive investments. Conservation and energy efficiency merit greater emphasis in US energy policy given their ability to reduce the use of cost-effective and environmentally beneficial ways.
New metastable phases in binary tin alloy systems

Abstract Binary alloys of Sn with fifteen other metals were rapidly quenched from the melt and examined by X-ray diffraction techniques at low temperatures. Alloys of Sn with Ag, Al, Au, Ca, Cu, Ga, Mg, Pb, Pd and Zn form new metastable phases of the “HgSn6−10” type (hexagonal, one atom per unit cell) at valence electron concentrations (VEC) of about 3.4 to 3.9 electrons per atom. Alloys of VEC greater than 4.0 (Sn-Bi, Sn-Sb), similarly quenched, showed a large reduction of the c a ratio but no loss of tetragonal symmetry. None of the new phases were found to be stable at room temperature; they decomposed over a wide temperature range between −100°C and −40°C. A qualitative explanation for the occurrence of these phases is given and the electron contributions to the alloy system are estimated for some addition elements.
Economists and fiscal policy advice: A deficit or a deficiency? *

"The numbers are astonishing ... Congress is now spending money like a drunken sailor." Senator John McCain, a former Navy officer, went on to say: "... and I've never known a sailor, drunk or sober, with the imagination that this Congress has." Asked if the president bears some responsibility for what is going on, McCain said: "Yes, because I think that the president cannot say, as he has many times, that 'I'm going to tell Congress to enforce some spending discipline' and then not veto bills." An example, he said, is a massive energy bill, which also has been put aside until Congress
The Mechanism of Inactivation of Human PlacentalS-Adenosylhomocysteine Hydrolase by (E)-4′,5′- Didehydro-5′-Methoxyadenosine and Adenosine 5′-Carboxaldehyde Oxime

Abstract The mechanisms by which ( E )-4′,5′-didehydro-5′-methoxyadenosine (DMOA) and adenosine 5′-carboxaldehyde oxime (ACAO) inactivate S -adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) hydrolase were elucidated in this study. Their inhibitory activities toward AdoHcy hydrolase were found to be time- and concentration-dependent, and DMOA and ACAO had K i and k 2 values of 3.0 μ m and 0.10 min −1 and 0.67 μ m and 0.16 min −1 , respectively. The inactivation of AdoHcy hydrolase by DMOA (and ACAO) occurs concomitantly with the reduction of the enzyme-bound NAD + to NADH. The rates of enzyme inactivation correspond to the rates of NADH formation. Incubation of both DMOA and ACAO with the NAD + form of AdoHcy hydrolase resulted in formation of 3′-ketoadenosine (3′-keto-Ado) 5′-carboxaldehyde and its 4′-epimer. Incubation of DMOA and ACAO with the apo form of the enzyme afforded adenosine (Ado) 5′-carboxaldehyde and its 4′-epimer. These results show that DMOA and ACAO are “proinhibitors” of the enzyme. They are first converted to the inhibitors (Ado 5′-carboxaldehyde and its 4′-epimer) in the active site of the enzyme; these inhibitors then inactivate the enzyme by a type I mechanism. The results from this study demonstrated that this is a common mechanism by which 4′,5′-didehydroadenosine analogs, serving as substrates of both the 5′-hydrolytic activity and the 3′-oxidative activity of the enzyme, inactivate AdoHcy hydrolase. The results also provide further evidence supporting the hypothesis that AdoHcy hydrolase possesses a 5′-hydrolytic activity independent of the 3′-oxidation activity.
Television and the quality of family life

One hundred seven adults' family activities and experiences were studied via the Experience Sampling Method (ESM). Respondents carried automatic paging devices and were randomly signalled to fill out self‐reports over the period of one week. While some scholars have claimed that communication during television viewing is nonexistent, talking occurred during 20 percent of family television time. Respondents who watched more television also spent more time with their families and reported feeling as well affectively while with family members as did light viewers. However, family viewing experiences were reported as being more passive than family activities generally. Heavier viewers also reported lower levels of activation during non‐TV family activities than did light viewers. Implications are discussed.
Teachers’ Longitudinal NOS Understanding After Having Completed a Science Teacher Education Program

The study reported here investigated experienced teachers’ views on several nature of science (NOS) issues 2 to 5 years after they completed a demanding secondary science teacher education program in which the NOS was an extensive and recurring component. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed to determine study participants’ NOS understanding. Study participant’s NOS views were determined to be generally accurate and robust, suggesting that experiences in their science teacher education program had a long-lasting positive impact on NOS understanding. The preservice program that study participants completed has several unique features that may account for that long-lasting impact and has implications for preservice and inservice science teacher education professional development.
Evaluating Surface Trajectory-Based Operations concepts through a human-in-the-loop simulation

Surface Trajectory-Based Operations (STBO) is a concept and research area for improving the safety and efficiency of surface operations and is envisioned as part of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). STBO provides a concept of operating the surface in the mid — and far-term that includes automated decision support tools to assist air traffic controllers and managers in the tower with responsibilities such as planning for airport configuration changes, assigning runways and taxi routes, sequencing aircraft for departure, and monitoring pilot compliance to clearances. The MITRE Corporation's Center for Advanced Aviation System Development (CAASD) has led an effort to evaluate STBO concept elements through human-in-the-loop (HITL) simulations using prototype automation developed by Mosaic ATM. This paper describes the results of a third STBO HITL simulation that assessed how taxi routing and surface conformance monitoring decision support tools can enhance the safety and efficiency of surface operations. This simulation included consideration of a local and ground controller, implementation of a configuration change, and multiple traffic loads. Results showed that automation had positive impacts on controllers' ability to detect pilot deviations, efficiently move surface traffic, and effectively communicate with pilots. These results helped take a step towards validating the STBO concepts by showing a clear benefit of the STBO decision support tools. The results also point to specific areas where improvements can be made to the design of these decision support tools.
A usability case study using TREC and ZPRISE

Abstract This paper examines the challenges involved in conducting an informal usability case study based on the introduction of a new information retrieval system to experienced users. We present a summary of activities performed during two iterations of usability testing and describe our analysis methodology. This methodology incorporates several grouping and prioritizing methods which provide one of the major contributions of the work. During the course of the case study, we learned some valuable lessons which were specific to the Text REtrieval Conference (TREC). The TREC-specific lessons learned led to recommendations for changes in the TREC topic development and assessment tasks. Results of the study include lessons learned about both the users and the testing techniques ( Hoffman & Downey, 1997 ).
Synthesis and spectral properties of group V heteroatom-permethylcyclopolysilanes, MeN(SiMe2)n and MeP(SiMe2)n

Abstract The permethylazacyclopolysilanes (MeN(SiMe 2 ) n , n =4, 5) and permethylphosphacyclopolysilanes (MeP(SiMe 2 ) n , n =4, 5, 6) were prepared by ring closure reactions of dichloropermethylsilanes (Cl(Me 2 Si) n Cl, n =4–6) with monomethylamine and dilithium methylphosphide respectively. The permethylazacyclopolysilane MeN(SiMe 2 ) 6 was prepared by pyrolysis of Me(H)N(SiMe 2 ) 6 -N(H)Me which was the initial product from the reaction of 1,6-dichlorododecamethylhexasilane with monomethylamine. Ultraviolet spectra were obtained for the nitrogen and phosphorus heterocyclic compounds and the results are compared with the data for linear and cyclic permethylpolysilanes. The 1 H, 13 C, 31 P and 29 Si NMR parameters for the permethylphosphacyclopolysilanes are reported and discussed in terms of electronic and molecular structure variations with ring size.
Using on-chip test pattern compression for full scan SoC designs

In todays mixed signal System-on-Chip designs advanced Design-for-Test techniques become more and more important to meet test coverage and quality requirements. However, standard strategies often cannot be used because of design specific requirements like the limitation of available input and output pins. This paper describes the Design-for-Test strategy of the latest version of Motorola's chip family for a mixed signal application. Deterministic test pattern, which are generated using an ATPG tool, have been used to stimulate the design and achieve efficient and high test coverage. The memories are tested by using a memory BIST implementation. The limitation of available digital input and output pins is solved in two ways. Analog input pins have been modified to serve as digital pins in test mode. On-chip test pattern compression using a multiple input shift register (MISR) is used to reduce the number of required output pins. Failure diagnostic capabilities have been implemented to allow debug of failing devices. The paper describes the test strategy for the System-on-Chip device and outlines the design flow which was used to implement it.
Structure of an Arrestin2-Clathrin Complex Reveals a Novel Clathrin Binding Domain That Modulates Receptor Trafficking

Non-visual arrestins play a pivotal role as adaptor proteins in regulating the signaling and trafficking of multiple classes of receptors. Although arrestin interaction with clathrin, AP-2, and phosphoinositides contributes to receptor trafficking, little is known about the configuration and dynamics of these interactions. Here, we identify a novel interface between arrestin2 and clathrin through x-ray diffraction analysis. The intrinsically disordered clathrin binding box of arrestin2 interacts with a groove between blades 1 and 2 in the clathrin beta-propeller domain, whereas an 8-amino acid splice loop found solely in the long isoform of arrestin2 (arrestin2L) interacts with a binding pocket formed by blades 4 and 5 in clathrin. The apposition of the two binding sites in arrestin2L suggests that they are exclusive and may function in higher order macromolecular structures. Biochemical analysis demonstrates direct binding of clathrin to the splice loop in arrestin2L, whereas functional analysis reveals that both binding domains contribute to the receptor-dependent redistribution of arrestin2L to clathrin-coated pits. Mutagenesis studies reveal that the clathrin binding motif in the splice loop is (L/I)(2)GXL. Taken together, these data provide a framework for understanding the dynamic interactions between arrestin2 and clathrin and reveal an essential role for this interaction in arrestin-mediated endocytosis.
Liquid silicone for soft tissue augmentation.

Background. The use of liquid silicone for soft tissue augmentation has been associated with a great deal of controversy and negative publicity. It is hoped that this monograph will clarify some of the substantive issues behind the controversy. Objective. To outline and discuss the history, legal status, indications, contraindications, technique, and complications associated with the use of liquid silicone for soft tissue augmentation. Methods. Impressions derived from a 22-year experience involving the treatment of over 3,000 patients using liquid silicone are presented, along with data abstracted from the scientific and the lay literature. Conclusion. Pure liquid silicone may be superior to any currently available agent in properly selected patients for permanent correction of certain types of defects. Physicians who use it, however, must be advised that the misuse of this agent or other materials masquerading as liquid silicone have created a pervasive climate of distrust and a veritable minefield of extraordinarily unpleasant medicolegal possibilities.
Circularly polarized conical patterns from circular microstrip antennas

A method is presented for generating circularly polarized conical patterns from circular microstrip antennas. These antennas are excited at higher order modes and require different feed arrangements for different mode excitations. It is determined that the peak direction of the conical pattern can be varied over a wide angular range. Modal expansion technique is employed to calculate the radiation patterns of these antennas.
Hypnosis in the Treatment of Depression: Considerations in Research Design and Methods

Abstract Depressive disorders constitute a serious problem in the United States and around the world. The appearance of practice guidelines and lists of evidenced-based therapies suggests that adequate treatments for depression exist. However, a careful consideration of what is known and not known about the treatment of depression leaves plenty of room for improved approaches to addressing this condition. Although there has been a dearth of research on the treatment of depression using hypnosis, there are several compelling arguments for the inclusion of hypnotic approaches in the array of current strategies for dealing with depression. However, traditional “gold-standard” research methods, namely randomized controlled trials, have many shortcomings for identifying the potential impact of hypnosis on depression. Other strategies, notably single-case design and benchmarking approaches, may offer a more practical solution to the problem of determining “what works for depression.”
Looking Ahead: Practicing Radiation Oncology in the Era of ICD-10

For over 30 years, the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 9th edition (ICD9) has provided a framework for medical coding in the United States (1). Beginning October 1, 2015, physicians in the United States are required to begin using the updated, more complex version of this framework for the coding of morbidity: International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th edition (ICD-10). This much-anticipated transition has already occurred in many countries, and as the implementation date has now arrived in the United States, we summarize the changes specific to radiation oncology, highlight implications for future practice and research, and suggest useful references for radiation oncologists. The World Health Organization has been updating the ICD since 1948 (2). ICD-10 represents the 10th edition of this infrastructure. In the United States, ICD-10 was adopted for mortality coding in 1999 (3), but ICD-9 has continued to provide a framework for morbidity coding. The United States adopted 2 versions of ICD-10 on October 1, 2015: ICD-10 Clinical Modification (ICD-10CM), a set of inpatient and outpatient diagnostic codes, replacing ICD-9-CM Volumes 1 and 2, and ICD-10 Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS), a set of inpatient procedure codes, replacing ICD-9-CM Volume 3. The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes assigned to outpatient procedures are not a part of this transition (4). Collectively, ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS will have an impact on diagnostic and procedural coding for all
A Note on the Concept of Tacit Knowledge

In their search for clarity and truth, researchers across the disciplines have tended to embellish the concept of tacit knowledge with ever more liberal layers of meaning and characterization, to a...
Zinc finger nucleases: custom-designed molecular scissors for genome engineering of plant and mammalian cells.

Custom-designed zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), proteins designed to cut at specific DNA sequences, are becoming powerful tools in gene targeting-the process of replacing a gene within a genome by homologous recombination (HR). ZFNs that combine the non-specific cleavage domain (N) of Fokl endonuclease with zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) offer a general way to deliver a site-specific double-strand break (DSB) to the genome. The development of ZFN-mediated gene targeting provides molecular biologists with the ability to site-specifically and permanently modify plant and mammalian genomes including the human genome via homology-directed repair of a targeted genomic DSB. The creation of designer ZFNs that cleave DNA at a pre-determined site depends on the reliable creation of ZFPs that can specifically recognize the chosen target site within a genome. The (Cys 2 His 2 ) ZFPs offer the best framework for developing custom ZFN molecules with new sequence-specificities. Here, we explore the different approaches for generating the desired custom ZFNs with high sequence-specificity and affinity. We also discuss the potential of ZFN-mediated gene targeting for 'directed mutagenesis' and targeted 'gene editing' of the plant and mammalian genome as well as the potential of ZFN-based strategies as a form of gene therapy for human therapeutics in the future.
Evaluation of the toxic effects of selected municipal wastewater effluents on aquatic invertebrates

Abstract A series of acute and chronic bioassays using Daphnia magna and Ceriodaphnia dubia was conducted on whole effluents from 31 municipal wastewater treatment plants near Houston to determine the toxicity of the effluents. The majority of plants were small (0.75 MGD) facilities created by rapid suburban development. Seventeen (55%) of the plants produced effluents that do not meet the toxicity limits currently required for some industrial plants. Effluent toxicities varied temporally for some plants and could not be predicted by conventionally measured water quality parameters. Several effluents that showed no acute effects on survival significantly reduced Ceriodaphnia survival and reproduction during chronic (7 day) exposures.
Doppler lidar atmospheric wind sensors: a comparative performance evaluation for global measurement applications from earth orbit

A comparison is made of four prominent Doppler lidar systems, ranging in wavelength from the near UV to the middle IR, which are presently being studied for their potential in an earth-orbiting global tropospheric wind field measurement application. The comparison is restricted to relative photon efficiencies, i.e., the required number of transmitted photons per pulse is calculated for each system for midtropospheric velocity estimate uncertainties ranging from + or - 1 to + or - 4 m/s. The results are converted to laser transmitter pulse energy and power requirements. The analysis indicates that a coherent CO2 Doppler lidar operating at 9.11-micron wavelength is the most efficient.
Effects of pores and interfaces on effective properties of plasma sprayed zirconia coatings

It is difficult to establish structure–property relationships in plasma sprayed coatings because of their unique and intermingled splat microstructures incorporating networks of various intrinsic process-dependent microdefects. In this paper, these coatings are characterized using two distinctly different approaches, both based on novel experimental techniques and computational modeling tools. In each approach, detailed finite element models are illustrated to represent the porous coatings fabricated with four different types of zirconia feed powder. One approach is based on smallangle neutron scattering (SANS) studies carried out to quantify microstructure. In this approach, the pore morphology is idealized by artificially rebuilding, based on the collective microstructural information obtained in terms of component porosities of three pore systems, their opening dimensions and orientation. The other method relies on image analysis of real microstructural images obtained using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The finite element mesh for the actual cross-sectional model, generated by thresholding the SEM images, is constructed with the object oriented finite (OOF) element method. Through these two approaches, the effective thermal conductivity and elastic modulus along the spray, as well as the transverse directions are estimated for thermally sprayed yttria-stabilized zirconia (PSZ) coatings. Our results show the effectiveness of these computational approaches for estimating material properties with each approach having its strength and weakness. However, in comparison with experimentally measured properties, there exist some limitations in both approaches. To further probe the source of discrepancy within the measurements, the coatings are thermal cycled to reduce the effect of splat boundaries on properties. Additional models are constructed for these coatings and their analysis is carried out. For the first time, the influence of the splat interfaces on the effective properties of sprayed coatings is quantified.
Parallel processing on networks of workstations: a fault-tolerant, high performance approach

One of the most sought after software innovation of this decade is the construction of systems using off-the-shelf-workstations that actually deliver and even surpass, the power and reliability of supercomputers. Using completely novel techniques: eager scheduling, evasive memory layouts and dispersed data management it is possible to build an execution environment for parallel programs on workstation networks. These techniques were originally developed in a theoretical framework for an abstract machine which models a shared memory asynchronous multiprocessor. The network of workstations platform presents an inherently asynchronous environment for the execution of our parallel program. This gives rise to substantial problems of correctness of the computation and of proper automatic load balancing of the work amongst the processors, so that a slow processor will not hold up the total computation. A limiting case of asynchrony is when a processor becomes infinitely slow, i.e. fails. Our methodology copes with all these problems, as well as with memory failures. An interesting feature of this system is that it is neither a fault-tolerant system extended for parallel processing nor is it parallel processing system extended for fault tolerance. The same novel mechanisms ensure both properties.
Diagnostic dilemma of small incidentally discovered adrenal masses: Role for 131I-6β-iodomethyl-norcholesterol scintigraphy

Incidentally discovered adrenal masses are detected in 0.35% to 5.00% of patients imaged with computed tomography (CT) for reasons other than suspected adrenal pathology. Most small adrenal masses are benign, although malignant tumors 2 cm. Although some lesions 1t o 2t o 1t o 2to <3 cm were present in 9% and 10% of patients, respectively. These findings emphasize the need to determine the nature of small incidentally discovered adrenal masses whose management may alter patient care and confirm the utility of NP59 scintigraphy to evaluate nonhypersecretory adrenal masses regardless of size.
Proximity based trust-advisor using encounters for mobile societies: Analysis of four filters

Many interactions between network users rely on trust, which is becoming particularly important given the security breaches in the Internet today. These problems are further exacerbated by the dynamics in wireless mobile networks. In this paper, we address the issue of trust advisory and its establishment in mobile networks, with application to ad hoc networks, including delay tolerant (DTNs). We utilize encounters in mobile societies in novel ways, noticing that mobility provides opportunities to build proximity, location, and similarity based trust. Four new trust advisor filters are introduced – including encounter frequency, duration, behavior vectors, and behavior matrices. The filters are evaluated over an extensive set of real-world traces collected from a major university. Two sets of statistical analyses are performed; the first examines the underlying encounter relationships in mobile societies, and the second evaluates DTN routing in mobile peer-to-peer networks using trust and selfishness models. We find that for the analyzed trace, trust filters are stable in terms of growth with time (three filters have close to 90% overlap of users over a period of 9 weeks) and the results produced by different filters are noticeably different. In our analysis for trust and selfishness model, our trust filters largely undo the effect of selfishness on the unreachability in a network. Thus improving the connectivity in a network with selfish nodes. We hope that our initial promising results open the door for further research on proximity-based trust. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Epigenetic Switch Involving NF-κB, Lin28, Let-7 MicroRNA, and IL6 Links Inflammation to Cell Transformation

SUMMARY Inflammation is linked clinically and epidemiologically to cancer, and NF-kB appears to play a causative role, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. We show that transient activation of Src oncoprotein can mediate an epigenetic switch from immortalized breast cells to a stably transformed line that forms self-renewing mammospheres that contain cancer stem cells. Src activation triggers an inflammatory response mediated by NF-kB that directly activates Lin28 transcription and rapidly reduces let-7 microRNA levels. Let-7 directly inhibits IL6 expression, resulting in higher levels of IL6 than achieved by NF-kB activation. IL6-mediated activation of the STAT3 transcription factor is necessary for transformation, and IL6 activates NF-kB, thereby completing a positive feedback loop. This regulatory circuit operates in other cancer cells lines, and its transcriptional signature is found in human cancer tissues. Thus, inflammation activates a positive feedback loop that maintains the epigenetic transformed state for many generations in the absence of the inducing signal.
Salient point quadrature nonlinear filtering

In this paper, a new nonlinear filter named Salient Point Quadrature Filter (SPQF) using a sparse grid method is proposed. The filter is derived using the so-called salient points to approximate the integrals in the Bayesian estimation algorithm. The univariate salient points are determined by the moment match method and then the sparse-grid theory is used to extend the univariate salient point sets to multi-dimensional cases. Compared with the other point-based methods, the estimation accuracy level of the new filter can be flexibly controlled and the filter algorithm is computationally more efficient since the number of salient points for SPQF increases polynomially with the dimension, which alleviates the curse of the dimensionality for high dimensional problems. Another contribution of this paper is to show that the Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) is a subset of the SPQF with the accuracy level 2. The performance of this new filter was demonstrated by the orbit determination problem. The simulation results show that the new filter has better performance than the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) and UKF.
Digital diplomacy as transmedia engagement: Aligning theories of participatory culture with international advocacy campaigns

Contemporary diplomacy is subject to the same pressures of globalization as many other communication industries. However, insights from different areas of Media and Communication Studies have only been partly explored in the context of diplomacy. This article applies theories of transmedia storytelling, transmedia engagement and surveillance upon a case study of the recent Campaign to End Sexual Violence in Conflict. The aim is to investigate the ways in which contemporary diplomatic advocacy campaigns cope with fundamental problems such as media repertoires, co-created content, collective intelligence, digital convergence and stakeholder management. The article contends that co-creation and co-option of shared values through transmedia engagement techniques perform a disciplining role for stakeholders that may be linked to theories of surveillance and biopolitics. This study will be of much relevance to those interested in the significance of participatory culture theories to contemporary international a...
Picking plaques that pop ...

In the U.S. alone, over 13 million individuals suffer from coronary artery disease. Of these, 1.1 million patients present with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) every year and 400,000 succumb to the episode ([1][1]). In addition, about 150,000 new cases of unstable angina are diagnosed annually and
Sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy on molecular chirality

Summary form only given. We report the observation of the first sum-frequency vibrational spectra from a number of chiral liquids. The results are related to the influence of local chiral structure on selected atomic groups of the molecules. We shall focus our discussion on chiral liquids of limonene, which is a relatively small molecule with a simple chiral structure. Using appropriate input/output polarization combinations, we can selectively probe only the chiral component of the nonlinear optical susceptibility. We observe a clear circular dichroic response from the enantiomers of limonene in the CH stretch vibrations.
Effects of Crystal Morphology on Singlet Exciton Fission in Diketopyrrolopyrrole Thin Films

Singlet exciton fission (SF) is a promising strategy for increasing photovoltaic efficiency, but in order for SF to be useful in solar cells, it should take place in a chromophore that is air-stable, highly absorptive, solution processable, and inexpensive. Unlike many SF chromophores, diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) conforms to these criteria, and here we investigate SF in DPP for the first time. SF yields in thin films of DPP derivatives, which are widely used in organic electronics and photovoltaics, are shown to depend critically on crystal morphology. Time-resolved spectroscopy of three DPP derivatives with phenyl (3,6-diphenylpyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4(2H,5H)-dione, PhDPP), thienyl (3,6-di(thiophen-2-yl)pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4(2H,5H)-dione, TDPP), and phenylthienyl (3,6-di(5-phenylthiophen-2-yl)pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4(2H,5H)-dione, PhTDPP) aromatic substituents in 100–200 nm thin films reveals that efficient SF occurs only in TDPP and PhTDPP (τSF = 220 ± 20 ps), despite the fact that SF is most exoerg...
How Culture Makes Us Human: Primate Social Evolution and the Formation of Human Societies -- Preface and Chapter 1

The odyssey from the Old World monkeys to the great apes and then to the development of our unique forms of social organization is the overall theme of this book. The odyssey begins, as it must, with our biological roots as a primate and with change in social organization initially occurring through Darwinian evolution. The challenge, when coming forward to human societies as we know them, has been to connect our Darwinian beginnings to the current complexity of human social systems in which Darwinian evolution, with its focus on individual traits in the context of a population of interbreeding individuals, has been transformed into a new mode of evolution with change at the level of societal organization. It is the functionality of systems of organization, rather than the functionality of individual traits, that is critical to the evolutionary success of human societies. Ancestral hunter-gatherer societies developed cultural means for the expression and continuity over generations of societal practices from whose functionality individuals and families benefit. Through enculturation, individuals take on the properties, structure and features that are part of the cultural milieu that frames the way individuals and groups of individuals interact. More than a century ago, Edward B. Tylor (1924[1871]) referred to culture as “that complex whole,” a characterization that still stands today as a way to identify what is different about human societies in comparison to the societies of other social mammals. It is not an extra-somatic means of information transmission that is crucial to what constitutes culture, but rather that culture refers to conceptual systems such as the kinship systems central to the formation of human societies. The origin of kinship systems as the basis for social organization, hence as a conceptual system of relations, encompasses a transition to new forms of organization subject to change by the individuals embedded within those systems of organization. It is this capacity for self-modiﬁcation that makes human societies unique.
Photoinduced Charge Transfer at Interfaces of Carbon Nanotube and Lead Selenide Nanowire

Photoinduced generation of excitons and their nonradiative relaxation dynamics are simulated at the interface of (10, 0) carbon nanotubes (CNT) and a PbSe nanowire (NW). Possible pathways of photoinduced excitations are explored by combining a reduced density matrix approach in the basis of Kohn–Sham orbitals and on-the-fly nonadiabatic couplings. A range of neutral photoexcitations localized on the CNT is followed by formation of charge transfer (CT) states involving PbSe NW. Depending on the wavelength of the incident light, the initial photoexcitation can be followed by two directions of charge transfer: either (PbSe)+(CNT)− or (PbSe)−(CNT)+. Excitation of a hot electron results in the CT state with an electron located at the NW and the hole at the CNT with shorter lifetime, while excitation of a hot hole leads to the CT state with an electron at the CNT and the hole at the PbSe having much longer lifetime. Observed ability to control the direction and the lifetime of the CT state makes the CNT/PbSe NW...
Integration of a continuum damage model for shale with the cutting plane algorithm

Summary The stability of integration is essential to numerical simulations especially when solving nonlinear problems. In this work, a continuum damage mechanics model proposed by the first author is implemented with an integration method named cutting plane algorithm (CPA) to improve the robustness of the simulation. This integration method is one type of return mapping algorithm that bypasses the need for computing the gradients. We compare the current integration method with the previous direct method, and the result shows that the cutting plane algorithm exhibits excellent performance under large loading rate conditions. To enhance accuracy of the new method, a control procedure is utilized in the implementation of the algorithm based on error analysis. Thereafter, the theory of poromechanics is utilized with the damage model to account for the effects of fluid diffusion. Laboratory tests simulated with finite element method illustrate distinct behaviors of shale with different loading rates and indicate the development of microcrack propagation under triaxial compression. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Snap-Through Buckling Reliability Analysis Under Spatiotemporal Variability and Epistemic Uncertainty

Surrogate models often provide an effective tradeoff between accuracy and efficiency during reliability analysis with expensive physics models. In snap-through buckling reliability analysis, a surrogate model could be built for the critical buckling load, as a function of loading, material properties, geometry, and boundary conditions. However, in the presence of spatiotemporal variability, the response surface of the critical buckling load is often highly nonlinear and irregular, thus rendering commonly used response surface-type surrogate modeling strategies ineffective. This paper proposes a new buckling reliability analysis method based on support vector machines for structures subjected to spatiotemporal variability and in the presence of epistemic uncertainty regarding model inputs and parameters. Bayesian calibration is first used to quantify the epistemic uncertainty in the modeling of spatiotemporal variability under limited data. Upon the modeling of spatiotemporal variability and epistemic unce...
Early prediction of cognitive tool use in narrative-centered learning environments

Narrative-centered learning environments introduce novel opportunities for supporting student problem solving and learning. By incorporating cognitive tools into plots and character roles, narrative-centered learning environments can promote self-regulated learning in a manner that is transparent to students. In order to adapt narrative plots to explicitly support effective cognitive tool-use, narrative-centered learning environments need to be able to make early predictions about how effectively students will utilize learning resources. This paper presents results from an investigation into machine-learned models for making early predictions about students' use of a specific cognitive tool in the Crystal Island learning environment. Multiple classification models are compared and discussed. Findings suggest that support vector machine and naive Bayes models offer considerable promise for generating useful predictive models of cognitive tool use in narrative-centered learning environments.
Rider Energy Expenditure During High Intensity Horse Activity.

Abstract Despite the fact that horseback riding is a popular sport, there is little information available on horseback riding as a physical activity. The objective of this experiment was to quantify energy expenditure of participants (n=20) during three riding tests: a 45min walk-trot-canter ride (WTC), a reining pattern ride and a cutting simulation ride while wearing a telemetric gas analyzer. Total energy expenditure (tEE), mean and peak metabolic equivalents of task (MET), heart rate (HR), respiratory frequency (RF), relative oxygen consumption (relVO2), and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were assessed. Mean MET and HR responses were greater (P
Early Transcriptomic Changes in the Ileal Pouch Provide Insight into the Molecular Pathogenesis of Pouchitis and Ulcerative Colitis

Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) only involves the colonic mucosa. Yet, nearly 50% of patients with UC who undergo total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis develop UC-like inflammation of the ileal pouch (pouchitis). By contrast, patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) with ileal pouch anal anastomosis develop pouchitis far less frequently. We hypothesized that pathogenic events associated with the development of UC are recapitulated by colonic-metaplastic transcriptomic reprogramming of the UC pouch. Methods We prospectively sampled pouch and prepouch ileum mucosal biopsies in patients with UC with ileal pouch anal anastomosis 4, 8, and 12 months after their pouch was in continuity. Mucosal samples were also obtained from patients with FAP. Transcriptional profiles of the UC and FAP pouch and prepouch ileum were investigated via RNA sequencing and compared with data from a previously published microarray study. Results Unlike patients with FAP, subjects with UC exhibited a large set of differentially expressed genes between the pouch and prepouch ileum as early as 4 months after pouch functionalization. Functional pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes in the UC pouch revealed an enhanced state of immune/inflammatory response and extracellular matrix remodeling. Moreover, >70% of differentially expressed genes mapped to published inflammatory bowel diseases microarray data sets displayed directional changes consistent with active UC but not with Crohn's disease. Conclusions The UC pouch, well before histologic inflammation, already displays a systems-level gain of colon-associated genes and loss of ileum-associated genes. Patients with UC exhibit a unique transcriptomic response to ileal pouch creation that can be observed well before disease and may in part explain their susceptibility to the development of pouchitis.
Using Programming Process Data to Detect Differences in Students' Patterns of Programming

Analyzing the process data of students as they complete programming assignments has the potential to provide computing educators with insights into their students and the processes by which they learn to program. In prior work, we developed a statistical model that accurately predicts students' homework grades. In this paper, we investigate the relationship between the paths that students take through the programming states on which our statistical model is based, and their overall course achievement. Examining the frequency of the most common transition paths revealed significant differences between students who earned A's, B's, and C's in a CS 2 course. Our results indicate that a) students of differing achievement levels approach programming tasks differently, and b) these differences can be automatically detected, opening up the possibility that they could be leveraged for pedagogical gain.
The Art of Relevance

About five years ago, a friend asked me if I had read a blog called Museum 2.0 written by museologist Nina Simon (2006). When I opened the website, I could not stop reading it. Simon’s examples wer...
Is Free Education Really Free

The cost of college is remarkable. Shelling out thousands of dollars for some knowledge and a receipt claiming you paid is, in a few words, the modern American college system. Perhaps unsurprisingly, policies have been proposed to reduce the cost of college, even making it free in some instances. On Jan. 9, 2015 President Obama unveiled a plan to make “two years of community college free for responsible students across America.” Given the Republican control of Congress, the idea stands little chance of being passed, but it is still interesting to consider. Under the President’s plan, all Americans, regardless of income, would have access to two years of free community college education provided the student maintains a 2.5 GPA and part-time status. Though the benefits would be numerous, so would the costs.
Advancing the prediction and prevention of murder-suicide

The phenomenon of murder-suicide (aka. homicide-suicide) makes a sizeable impact on current public perceptions and policies regarding mental illness and risk for violence. However, within the past 25 years, our understanding of murder-suicide has remained relatively stable, and so has our relative inability to reliably predict and prevent it. The purpose of this paper is to propose pathways for furthering a cogent understanding of murder-suicide that may inform specific predictive and preventative practices.,Research literature regarding empirical and theoretical positions in the fields of murder-suicide, homicide, and suicide are reviewed and discussed.,While murder-suicide has many similarities to both homicide and suicide, no current theories of either alone have been successful in fully incorporating the phenomenon of murder-suicide. Theories specific to murder-suicide as a unique form of violence are in need of further research.,Developing and empirically testing theories of murder-suicide may lead to a vast and needed improvement of our understanding, prediction, and prevention of these tragedies.
Investigating a self-consistent Galactic Potential with central mass concentration

The evolution of a barred galactic potential. containing a central. mass concentration is examined by means of a self-consistent 2-D JV-body simulation. It is found that the bar weakens as the central. mass grows and eventually dissolves, in agreement with earlier orbital. studies of this problem.
Virtual Reality and Automation

Virtual reality of human activities (e.g., in design, manufacturing, medical care, exploration or military operations) often concentrates on an automated interface between virtual reality (VR) technology and the theory and practice of these activities. In this chapter we focus mainly on the role of VR technology in developing this interface. Although the scope and range of applications is large, two illustrative areas (production/service applications and medical applications) are explained in some detail to offer some insight into the magnitude of the benefits and existing challenges.
Pathogenesis and Management of Choledocholithiasis

Stones may be formed in the common bile duct primarily, or they may lodge in the duct after initially being formed in the gallbladder and traversing the cystic duct. The evidence in support of either mode of development is incomplete and to some extent conflicting. Undoubtedly both mechanisms occur, but there is considerable controversy about their relative frequency. The question is of practical importance, however, because the different possibilities may call for different surgical therapy.
Second Chances for Paisley Shawls

Historic collections include garments recycled from old paisley shawls. Shawls enjoyed popularity in the nineteenth century, reaching their peak in the 1850s and 1860s. When the crinoline changed to the bustle circa 1870, paisley shawls faded from fashion. This project asked the question: what happened to paisley shawls after they went out of style? Using a material culture model, the study examined six paisley garments in a university collection as examples of recycling and reuse. Remodeling efforts dated from 1870s to 1940s. Reasons for remodeling paisley shawls into garments over this long stretch of time are varied. First is the practical reason of revamping a luxury textile no longer in fashion. Second, the large shawls provided fabric that could be repurposed during wartime when Americans experienced shortages. Third, the paisley motif, with its exotic origins in India, tapped into the Orientalism that permeated the early years of the twentieth century.
Palladium/NHC (NHC = N-Heterocyclic Carbene)-Catalyzed B-Alkyl Suzuki Cross-Coupling of Amides by Selective N-C Bond Cleavage.

A highly chemoselective, palladium-NHC (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene)-catalyzed, direct cross-coupling between B-sp3-alkyl reagents and activated amides by N–C(O) cleavage is reported. Palladium-NHC precatalysts promote chemoselective alkylations of amides that are inaccessible by applying strong organometallic reagents. Various amides, including challenging primary amides after direct and site-selective N,N-di-Boc activation, are compatible with this method. The potential of this mild protocol is demonstrated in sequential C(sp2)–C(sp2)/C(sp2)–C(sp3) cross-couplings deploying a di-Boc amide derived from a common primary amide bond. The method provides a rare example of air- and moisture-stable, well-defined, and highly reactive Pd-NHC precatalysts in B-alkyl-Suzuki cross-couplings.