cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Bayesian Sampling Method for Product Feature Extraction From Large-Scale Textual Data

The authors of this work propose an algorithm that determines optimal search keyword combinations for querying online product data sources in order to minimize identification errors during the product feature extraction process. Data-driven product design methodologies based on acquiring and mining online product-feature-related data are presented with two fundamental challenges: (1) determining optimal search keywords that result in relevant product related data being returned and (2) determining how many search keywords are sufficient to minimize identification errors during the product feature extraction process. These challenges exist because online data, which is primarily textual in nature, may violate several statistical assumptions relating to the independence and identical distribution of samples relating to a query. Existing design methodologies have predetermined search terms that are used to acquire textual data online, which makes the resulting data acquired, a function of the quality of the search term(s) themselves. Furthermore, the lack of independence and identical distribution of text data from online sources impacts the quality of the acquired data. For example, a designer may search for a product feature using the term “screen,” which may return relevant results such as “the screen size is just perfect,” but may also contain irrelevant noise such as “researchers should really screen for this type of error.” A text mining algorithm is introduced to determine the optimal terms without labeled training data that would maximize the veracity of the data acquired to make a valid conclusion. A case study involving real-world smartphones is used to validate the proposed methodology.
Predicting tbx22 Zebrafish Protein Structure Using Multi-Level Prediction Tools and Demonstration of Conserved Structural Domains in Relation to Orthologous tbx22 Proteins in Humans

Biological functions of proteins play a key role in the development of any organism. The gene tbx 22 is a member of a phylogenetically conserved family of genes, which share a common DNA binding domain: T box. This study examines the similarity in the developmental pattern influenced by the transcription factor TBX22 and tbx22 in H. sapiens and D. rerio respectively. Secondary and tertiary structures of the proteins are predicted using standard structure prediction software’s like Phyre 2, Predict Protein, SWISSMODEL, PSIPRED and the homology of the proteins were compared to each other. Protein homology prediction shows more than 65% between the 2 organisms. Superimposing the predicted protein structures reveals conserved domains between the human and zebrafish proteins. Additional supporting data from Genomatix MATBASE, MATINSPECTOR show higher matrix family scores for BRAC (Brachury gene mesoderm developmental factor) in Human and Zebrafish. Transcription factor and promoter element analysis with Transcriptome Viewer, Gene 2 Promoter and Genomeinspector reveal a high degree of homology between the 2 organisms. Bioinformatic-Proteomics and protein structural analysis approaches shown here explain in detail the relationship between the Human and Zebrafish tbx22 Gene-Protein-Transcrip- tion factor. These studies also support zebrafish as a predictive model for numerous developmental pattering events in higher vertebrates.
Problems and Challenges in Business History Research with Special Reference to the History of Business Administration and Operation

The over-all challenge to research in business history is to provide facts and generalizations concerning the history of business which may lead to a better understanding of business itself and of its role in society. This is an urgent challenge in our age of revolution, a revolution in which the generally expressed objective is a better and more secure living, the political tool being largely economic class conflict, and the target, private capitalism.
Morphological study of elastic-plastic-brittle transitions in disordered media

We use a spring lattice model with springs following a bilinear elastoplastic-brittle constitutive behavior with spatial disorder in the yield and failure thresholds to study patterns of plasticity and damage evolution. The elastic-perfectly plastic transition is observed to follow percolation scaling with the correlation length critical exponent ν≈1.59, implying the universality class corresponding to the long-range correlated percolation. A quantitative analysis of the plastic strain accumulation reveals a dipolar anisotropy (for antiplane loading) which vanishes with increasing hardening modulus. A parametric study with hardening modulus and ductility controlled through the spring level constitutive response demonstrates a wide spectrum of behaviors with varying degree of coupling between plasticity and damage evolution.
Risk of Ovulatory Failure with Epilepsy

The association of ovulatory dysfunction with epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) was evaluated in women aged 18 to 40 years not receiving hormones recruited from the Stanford and Columbia Universities Comprehensive Epilepsy Centers and from other sources.
Non-cigarette tobacco and poly-tobacco use among persons living with HIV drawn from a nationally representative sample

Abstract Introduction Smoking is more prevalent among persons living with HIV (PLWH) than the general population. Little is known about the prevalence of non-cigarette tobacco and poly-tobacco use (PTU; using multiple tobacco products) among this population, which, in the general population is associated with poor health and cessation outcomes. We aimed to characterize the prevalence of cigarette and non-cigarette tobacco use, PTU, and correlates of tobacco use status among a nationally-representative sample of PLWH. Methods Data came from 472 HIV-positive adults from the 2005–2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Results The prevalence of PTU overall was 8.7% (95% CI = 5.6–13.2), and 16.6% (95% CI = 10.2–25.7) among past-year tobacco users. In multinomial logistic regression analyses, participants with a high school education or greater (aRRR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.03–4.00) were more likely to be non-tobacco users than single product users. Past year drug users (aRRR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.19–0.66) and past month binge drinkers (aRRR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.12–0.50) were less likely to be non-tobacco users than single product users. Compared to 18–25 year olds, individuals age 26–34 (aRRR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.03–0.65) and 35+ (aRRR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.09–0.63), and with lifetime anxiety disorder(s) (aRRR = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.06–0.57) were less likely to be PTUs as compared to single product users. Individuals who reported liking to test themselves by doing risky things were more likely to be PTUs than single product users (aRRR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.27–6.84). Conclusions PTU was slightly higher than in the general population, and should be taken into account when developing cessation interventions tailored to tobacco users living with HIV.
HISTAMINE SENSITIVITY IN MICE OF DIFFERENT AGES AFTER BORDETELLA PERTUSSIS TREATMENT OR ADRENALECTOMY.

SummaryThe Rocky Mountain Laboratory strain of mouse which is resistant to the effect of histamine sensitizing factor from Bordetella pertussis (HSF) at 3 to 5 weeks of age became susceptible to this effect by the age of 8 weeks. The LD50 of histamine in HSF inoculated 3-week-old mice was 6.8 mg per mouse (524 mg/kg), while in 9-week-old mice it was less than 0.5 mg per mouse (<18.5 mg/kg). The LD50 of histamine in the 3-week-old control mice was 18.4 mg per mouse (1417 mg/kg), while in 9-week-old animals it was 19.3 mg per mouse (715 mg/kg). Development of histamine sensitivity after adrenalectomy was also found to be affected by age: LD50 of histamine for 4- to 5-week-old mice was 11.3 mg per mouse while it was only 0.7 mg for 10- to 12-week-old mice. Some physiological change related to aging must occur in these mice to bring about the change in susceptibility to histamine sensitization after HSF inoculation. This change appears to be related to the adrenal hormones, but the relationship is not clearly...
Carneades' Distinction between Assent and Approval

Ancient sceptics, unlike their modern counterparts, claim to live their scepticism. Nowadays scepticism, whether epistemological, moral, or of any other variety, is seen as a purely theoretical position, with no direct bearing on the actual living of one's life; this is because philosophical theories and everyday attitudes are taken to be in some way "insulated" from one another. Serious questions may be raised about the character of this alleged "insulation," but these are not my present concern; the fact is that no such split between "the philosophical" and "the ordinary" was entertained in the ancient world.1 It follows that the viability of scepticism as a way of life is a crucial issue for ancient sceptics. It is no accident that one of the most enduring objections to ancient scepticism is to the effect that the sceptical attitude?that is, the posture of universal suspension of judgement?is incompatible with any kind of normal human action; this was known in antiquity as the charge of apraxia, "inaction." The sceptics for their part, were just as persistent in arguing that suspension of judge ment had no such damaging consequences. In as much as the assessment of actual or imaginable types of human life is the province of ethics, I take this debate between ancient sceptics and their detractors to be, in a broad sense, an ethical debate.2 My focus in this paper is on the Academic sceptic Carneades, and on whether he can defend himself against the objection just mentioned. Unlike the Pyrrhonean sceptics and unlike even his Academic predecessor Arcesilaus, Carneades does not appear to have explicitly promoted, or recommended, the sceptical attitude as desirable;3 indeed, he appears to have been singularly reticent about the very notion of suspension of judge ment (epoche). But whatever his reasons for this silence, he is said by his in terpreter and closest associate Clitomachus to have "rid our minds of as sent;"4 and suspension of judgement is, precisely, the witholding of assent.5 Moreover, assent itself is described in the same passage in mythical terms, as a "wild and savage monster" (feram et immanen beluam), needing Her culean powers to overcome, and also, more soberly, as a form of "rashness" {temeritatem). If we may take Clitomachus' description as
Selenium Content of Plants Grown in Excreta from Selenium-Supplemented and Unsupplemented Cattle

ABSTRACT Selenium concentration, plant yield, and total Se content of three plant species subject to two rates of manure from Se-supplemented (S) and unsupplemented control (C) cattle were compared. The S cattle were supplemented with two rumen-retained boluses of 90% iron and 10% elemental Se. Mean whole blood Se ofC cattle was 69 ppb (SD 29) and S cattle was 120 ppb (SD 169); pooled slurries of 70% feces:30% urine by weight were 70 ppb Se for C and 77 ppb for S cattle. Manure slurries from C and S cattle were applied at rates of 5.6 or 22.4 kg/ha to either Fawn Tall Fescue, barley, or black mustard in plastic pots for growth in a greenhouse. A positive control (Sp) was established by spiking the C manure slurry with 22.3 mg sodium selenite/pot at the 5.6 kg/ha application rate. Yield of above-ground plant material increased with manure application (P=.0001). The Se concentration decreased (P=.008) with greater applications of manure, apparently a dilution effect due to increased plant growth. Excreta from S cattle compared to excreta from C cattle resulted in a plant species × manure source interaction for Se concentration (P=.04) and total Se content (P=.04). These interactions may have occurred due to differences in plant phenology. When averaged over all species, excreta from S cattle compared to C cattle did not result in significantly different yield (C = 15.3, S = 14.6 g/pot, SEM = .64), Se concentration (C = 262, S = 296 ppb, SEM = 36), or total Se content (C = 3.82, S = 4.36 μg/pot, SEM = .64).
Low Reservoir Resistivity and Litho-electric Experiment of Each Parameter in Archie Equation

Large number of experimental data indicate that reservoir low resistivity is mainly resulted from additional conductivity and cation exchange. The effect of temperature and pressure on each parameter in Archie equation is disscussed , variation rules of porosity index m and saturation index n under high temperature and high pressure are obtained.
Determination of Folic Acid in Health Food by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detector After Derivation

Objective To develop a reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector method to detect the content of folic acid in health food.Method The samples were extracted by 0.5% NH_3·H_2O,and oxidized by KMnO_4 and eluted by 0.05 mol/L CH_3OH+CH_3COONa(35+65) solution on an ODS C_18 column at the flow rate of 1.0 ml/min.The wavelengths of excitation and emission were 290 and 440 nm,respectively.Results The good linear relationship was obtained among the range of 0.05-2.0 μg/ml.The average recovery ranged from 84.8% to 103%,and the RSD was less than 5.5%.The detection limit of the method was 0.04 μg/ml.Conclusion The method could be simple,highly sensitive and feasible,and could be used to detect the content of folic acid in health food.
Crosslinguistic influence of wh-in-situ questions by Korean-English bilingual children:

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions:This study investigates wh-in-situ transfer for sequential bilingual children whose first language (L1) is Korean and early second language (L2) is English. Previous research has shown evidence that bilingual children who speak one in-situ language and one wh-movement language often show transfer from the dominant language to the weaker language, and from the in-situ language to the wh-movement language. The purpose of this study is to explore whether wh-in-situ is transferred to English, under the influence of Korean. The research questions are as follows: Do K-E bilingual children produce more wh-in-situ questions in English than their monolingual counterparts? If so, do these wh-in-situ questions appear in illicit constructions?Design/Methodology:The design of this study is longitudinal in nature, in order to best capture a holistic picture of the children’s productions of English over time. Seven K-E children spanning ages 2;4 to 7;11 were observed in the...
Exercising Cyber-D&D

This chapter examines the components necessary to conduct operational Red/Blue team exercises that incorporate cyber-D&D. As an example, we describe a research experiment referred to as SLX II in which Blue network defense personnel used cyber-D&D against a Red threat actor. This experiment demonstrated the value of adding D&D TTPs to traditional CND and the importance of cyber intelligence. The inclusion of D&D TTPs led to the successful neutralization of the attacker’s compromise of the defender’s operational planning communications.
Abstract 900:In vivomodeling ofNRAS-mutant melanoma reveals differential preventative efficacy amongst SPF30 sunscreens

Cutaneous melanoma claims the life of one American every hour, and while the etiology of this tumor type is not entirely understood, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation (280-340nm) is a major risk factor. For this reason, the use of UV-blocking sunscreens is strongly advocated; however, few studies have tested the relative efficacy of these agents in preventing melanoma formation in vivo. Here, we employed a new genetically engineered mouse model (TpN61R) to examine the ability of 6 chemically distinct SPF30 sunscreens to prevent melanoma. In this TpN61R model, topical 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4OHT) treatment induces the melanocyte-specific expression of oncogenic NRas as well as inactivation of the p16INK4a tumor suppressor. These genetic lesions co-occur in ∼24% of all human melanomas, making the TpN61R model biologically relevant. Since NRAS mutations are an early and UV-independent event in human melanoma, TpN61R mice were first painted with 4OHT and then exposed to a single dose of 4.5 kJ/m2 UVB light one day later. Exposed skin from TpN61R mice showed transient cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) formation, however no evidence of edema or inflammation was observed. Despite these mild effects, UVB exposure reduced the melanoma-free survival of TpN61R mice by 80% and increased tumor incidence rate from 1.2 to 3.4 tumors/mouse. Further experiments using a variety of UVB doses (0.25, 1.0, 2.3 and 9.0 kJ/m2) in the TpN61R model revealed a dose-dependent increase in early melanoma incidence. Together, these data establish the exquisite cooperation of UV light and oncogenic NRas mutations in driving melanoma. Taking advantage of this unique model, we tested the preventative efficacy of SPF30 sunscreens with differing chemical composition. Sunscreens components included UVA (avobenzene), UVB (homosalate, octisalate) and broad spectrum (oxybenzone, octocrylene, zinc oxide) blocking agents. Application of sunscreen prior to UVB exposure decreased DNA damage, delayed melanoma onset and reduced tumor incidence in a sunscreen-dependent manner. Thus, SPF30 sunscreens do not equally prevent UVB-induced, NRAS mutant melanoma. This work establishes the first in vivo system to test sunscreen efficacy in NRAS-driven melanoma and will help direct the development of improved melanoma preventatives. Citation Format: Andrea M. Holderbaum, Rebecca C. Hennessey, James E. Gillahan, Anamaria Bonilla, Conor Delaney, Raleigh D. Kladney, Kathleen L. Tober, Tatiana M. Oberyszyn, Christin E. Burd. In vivo modeling of NRAS-mutant melanoma reveals differential preventative efficacy amongst SPF30 sunscreens. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 900.
Ontological Priority: The Conceptual Basis of Non-eliminative, Ontic Structural Realism

The number of positions identified with structural realism in philosophical debates about scientific knowledge has grown significantly in the past decade, particularly with respect to the metaphysical or “ontic” approach (OSR). In recent years, several advocates of OSR have proposed a novel understanding of it in order to side-step a serious challenge faced by its original formulation, eliminative OSR. I examine the conceptual basis of the new, non-eliminative view, and conclude that it too faces a serious challenge, resulting in a dilemma for ontic structuralists regarding the ontological status of objects and properties, and the relative “ontological priority” of these entities with respect to the relations in which they stand.
Problems with Presidential Systems

The most heated debates within most presidential systems currently bear on the tenure of presidents and on their reelectability. I begin, therefore, with these two issues. The fundamental issue remains, however, the support that presidents can expect to obtain in their respective Congresses. The support problem has already been discussed at various points, but one of the indicators that help its assessment is the nature of the party system. I thus bring all these elements together in Table 11.1. The table is not exhaustive; it omits a few countries (Burkine Faso, Dominican Republic) because very small and/or too unsettled, and South Korea because its presidentialism has only been a 1988–90 interregnum. Note, finally, that the table is strictly confined to ‘pure’ presidential systems.
Comparison of hinged and contoured rods for occipitocervical arthrodesis in adults: A clinical study.

Introduction: A rigid construct that employs an occipital plate and upper cervical screws and rods is the current standard treatment for craniovertebral junction (CVJ) instability. A rod is contoured to accommodate the occipitocervical angle. Fatigue failure has been associated these acute bends. Hinged rod systems have been developed to obviate intraoperative rod contouring. Object: The aim of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of the hinged rod system in occipitocervical fusion. Materials and Methods: This study retrospectively evaluated 39 patients who underwent occipitocervical arthrodesis. Twenty patients were treated with hinged rods versus 19 with contoured rods. Clinical and radiographic data were compared and analyzed. Results: Preoperative and postoperative Nurick and Frankel scores were similar between both groups. The use of allograft, autograft or bone morphogenetic protein was similar in both groups. The average number of levels fused was 4.1 (±2.4) and 3.4 (±2) for hinged and contoured rods, respectively. The operative time, estimated blood loss, and length of stay were similar between both groups. The occiput to C2 angle was similarly maintained in both groups and all patients demonstrated no movement across the CVJ on flexion-extension X-rays during their last follow-up. The average follow-up for the hinged and contoured rod groups was 12.2 months and 15.9 months, respectively. Conclusion: Hinged rods provide a safe and effective alternative to contoured rods during occipitocervical arthrodesis.
Does 'Precrime' Mesh with the Ideals of U.S. Justice? Implications for the Future of Predictive Policing

Both the short story and film Minority Report are premised on a Precrime unit that relies on the psychic abilities of human mutants who can predict the commission of crimes before they occur. Advances in technology suggest that the science fiction depicted in Minority Report may one day become a reality. This paper summarizes the ways in which the criminal justice system currently derives crime predictions and extrapolates from these methods how technology might one day allow police to intervene before crimes are committed with great regularity and accuracy. The paper contemplates how an actual precrime system would struggle to fit into the framework of inchoate crimes as they are currently defined, but might fit into a system of preventative detention that is not dramatically inconsistent with the approaches currently used in the United States. The implications for current conceptualizations of constitutional rights, including contemporary notions of privacy, are discussed.
The 15 kDa Selenoprotein: Insights into Its Regulation and Function

The 15 kDa selenoprotein (SEP15) is one of more than 25 selenoproteins found in humans. This protein has been proposed to be involved in redox regulation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), although the biological function of SEP15 is still not completely understood. It appears to have strong tissue specificity, and has been shown to have a split personality in terms of cancer initiation and promotion. Polymorphisms in the human SEP15 gene have been linked to increases in several types of cancer. Thus, among the many selenoproteins, SEP15 continues to generate interest due to its potential implications in human health and disease.
Retroactive terahertz displacement sensor in a standard 65nm CMOS technology

In this paper we demonstrate a self coherent terahertz system implemented in a standard a 65 nm CMOS technology for displacement sensing application. We name this method retroactive detection since no additional terahertz components are required to operate. The device main operating frequency is 0.35 THz in continuous-wave mode and operates at room temperature.
Coupling biophysical processes and water rights to simulate spatially distributed water use in an intensively managed hydrologic system

Humans have significantly altered the redistribution of water in intensively managed hydrologic systems, shifting the spatiotemporal patterns of surface water. Evaluating water availability requires integration of hydrologic processes and associated human influences. In this study, we summarize the development and evaluation of an extensible hydrologic model that explicitly integrates water rights to spatially distribute irrigation waters in a semi-arid agricultural region in the western US, using the Envision integrated modeling platform. The model captures both human and biophysical systems, particularly the diversion of water from the Boise River, which is the main water source that supports irrigated agriculture in this region. In agricultural areas, water demand is estimated as a function of crop type and local environmental conditions. Surface water to meet crop demand is diverted from the stream reaches, constrained by the amount of water available in the stream, the water-rights-appropriated amount, and the priority dates associated with particular places of use. Results, measured by flow rates at gaged stream and canal locations within the study area, suggest that the impacts of irrigation activities on the magnitude and timing of flows through this intensively managed system are well captured. The multi-year averaged diverted water from the Boise River matches observations well, reflecting the appropriation of water according to the water rights database. Because of the spatially explicit implementation of surface water diversion, the model can help diagnose places and times where water resources are likely insufficient to meet agricultural water demands, and inform future water management decisions.
Who Sees What as Fair? Mapping Individual Differences in Valuation of Reciprocity, Charity, and Impartiality

When scarce resources are allocated, different criteria may be considered: impersonal allocation (impartiality), the needs of specific individuals (charity), or the relational ties between individuals (reciprocity). In the present research, we investigated how people’s perspectives on fairness relate to individual differences in interpersonal orientations. Participants evaluated the fairness of allocations based on (a) impartiality, (b) charity, and (c) reciprocity. To assess interpersonal orientations, we administered measures of dispositional empathy (i.e., empathic concern and perspective taking) and Machiavellianism. Across two studies, Machiavellianism correlated with higher ratings of reciprocity as fair, whereas empathic concern and perspective taking correlated with higher ratings of charity as fair. We discuss these findings in relation to recent neuroscientific research on empathy, fairness, and moral evaluations of resource allocations.
The Raf kinase Inhibitor BAY 43-9006 accelerates Mcl-1 degradation and regulates pro-apoptotic function

6155 BAY 43-9006 is the first oral Raf kinase inhibitor to undergo clinical testing. In cellular assays, BAY 43-9006 demonstrated inhibition of the MAPK pathway in colon, pancreatic, and breast tumor cell lines. In addition, BAY 43-9006 had significant activity against several receptor tyrosine kinases involved in neovascularization and tumor progression, including VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, PDGFR-β, Flt-3, and c-KIT. The effects of BAY 43-9006 on Mcl-1, a potent anti-apoptotic protein of the Bcl-2 family, have been examined in multiple human malignant cell lines. Treatment of A549 NSCLC cells with BAY 43-9006 significantly reduces Mcl-1 levels in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Similarly, Mcl-1 down-regulation is seen in other cancer cell lines (ACHN, kidney; HT-29, colon; MDA-MB-231, breast; and K562, leukemia) with BAY 43-9006 treatment. There is, however, no change in Mcl-1 mRNA levels in cells exposed to BAY 43-9006, as measured by RT-PCR, indicating that the down-regulation of Mcl-1 is a result of a post-translational change. Mcl-1 over-expression markedly diminishes BAY 43-9006-induced apoptosis, a process which is accompanied by blockage of caspase cleavage and cytochrome c release to the cytosol, while Mcl-1 down-regulation sensitizes cells to BAY 43-9006-induced apoptosis. Finally, the pan-caspase inhibitor BOC-D-fmk completely blocks BAY 43-9006-induced apoptosis. BOC-D fmk failed to block cytochrome c release into the cytosolic S-100 fraction, but did abrogate caspase 3 and 8 cleavage, indicating that mitochondrial dysfunction is upstream of the caspase cascade. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that drug-induced Mcl-1 degradation contributes to the pro-apoptotic effects of BAY 43-9006.
Cryogenic Engineering in the Production and Distribution of Liquefied Atmospheric Gases

The production and distribution of liquefied atmospheric gases is considered today by many to be a major industry. The most important of these gases is oxygen. In 1953, according to the Bureau of the Census, production in the United States of high purity oxygen amounted to 25 billion cubic feet. This is enough to fill a cube having a dimension of more than a half mile. “Tonnage oxygen,” made in private plants and consumed on the premises, is not included.
Packaging of healthcare products

The importance of packaging in the fields of medicines and healthcare generally is reflected in the expenditure in these area. The steady growth in expenditure on health care is due largely to the increase in standards of living which has resulted in an increase in the number of older people with greater needs for medical care. As a proportion of the Gross National Product expenditure on health care reached 10% in the USA, 8% in Europe and some 6% in Japan in recent times. Table 10.1 gives some data on the value of the markets for medical packaging in the USA.
Soar—A General Problem-Solving Architecture

Soar is a problem solving system that is based on formulating all activity (both problems and routine tasks) as heuristic search in problem spaces. A problem space consists of a set of states and a set of operators that transform one state into another. Starting from an initial state the problem solver applies a sequence of operators in an attempt to reach a desired state. Soar uses a production system1 to implement elementary operators, tests for goal satisfaction and failure, and search control — information relevant to the selection of goals, problem spaces, states, and operators. It is possible to use a problem space that has no search control, only operators and goal recognizers. Such a space will work correctly, but will be slow because of the amount of search required.
A Multi-Purpose Test Station to Characterize Fast Neutron Detectors for the Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT) Fuel Motion Monitoring System

The Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT) at Idaho National Laboratory is an aircooled, graphite-moderated reactor designed to evaluate reactor fuels and structural materials under conditions that simulate various types of transient overpower and under-cooling situations in a nuclear reactor. Fuel meltdowns, metal-water reactions, thermal interaction between overheated fuel and coolant, and the transient behavior of ceramic fuel for high-temperature systems can be studied. A key instrument that monitors fuel motion as these events take place is t he fast neutron hodoscope. The hodoscope is designed to allow for pre-, during-, and post-transient imaging of fuel in a test loop in the center of the reactor’s core. The preferred technique for imaging is detection of fast neutrons produced by fission in the test fuel, travelling unmoderated through a core slot and then a multi-slot collimator to a 360detector array collinear to the collimator channels. Due to the age of the instrument, a refurbishment of the hodoscope’s fast neutron detection capability is necessary. Described here is a Multi-Purpose Test Station (MPTS) that was designed to simultaneously qualify and characterize up to eight photo-multiplier tubes using a distributed light source. The MPTS also provides a means to characterize up to eight fast neutron detector assemblies consisting of ZnS(Ag) scintillators coupled to photomultiplier tubes, using a radiologic source.
Are College-Educated Police Officers Different? A Study of Stops, Searches, and Arrests:

A study of more than 60,000 police traffic stops found that college-educated officers were more likely than other officers to stop drivers for less serious violations, perform consent searches, and...
Effects of Citalopram on Cue-Induced Alcohol Craving and Thalamic D2/3 Dopamine Receptor Availability.

Author(s): Zorick, Todd; Okita, Kyoji; Mandelkern, Mark A; London, Edythe D; Brody, Arthur L | Abstract: BackgroundSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are often used in alcohol use disorders. Clinical trials with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for alcohol use disorders, however, have yielded mixed results. The goal of this project was to assess whether a single i.v. dose of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor reduces craving for alcohol and/or simultaneously increases striatal dopamine concentration in individuals with alcohol dependence.MethodsAlcohol-dependent (DSM-IV-TR criteria) volunteers and matched controls (n = 10/group) underwent a double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subjects study. Participants received i.v. citalopram (40 mg) or saline (counter-balanced) followed by a cue-induced craving assessment and [18F]-fallypride positron emission tomography scanning.ResultsIn the alcohol-dependent individuals, the citalopram (compared with saline) resulted in decreased cue-induced craving for alcohol. For the whole study group, cue-induced alcohol craving was inversely correlated with thalamic (but not striatal) dopamine D2/3 receptor availability.ConclusionsAcute serotonin reuptake inhibition reduces cue-induced alcohol craving. Furthermore, thalamic dopamine abnormalities and the striatal hyperdopaminergic hypothesis of alcohol use disorder are supported.
Physical Activity as a Predictor of Changes in Systolic Blood Pressure for African-American Adolescents Seeking Treatment for Obesity

Abstract Purpose The aim of the study was to examine changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and whether physical activity and obesity status predicted SBP change for African-American adolescents (n = 181) participating in a behavioral weight control trial. Methods Data were collected at baseline, 7 months (end-of-treatment), and 9 months (2-month follow-up). Results Nearly half of adolescents achieved clinically significant SBP reductions at 7 and 9 months. Significantly, fewer adolescents had elevated SBP at 7 and 9 months compared with baseline (both p Conclusions Obesity reduction and increases in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity may predict short-term, clinically meaningful reductions in SBP for African American adolescents with obesity.
Literature Review of Vaginal Stenosis and Dilator Use in Radiation Oncology.

Abstract Purpose Guidelines for the care of women undergoing pelvic radiation therapy (RT) recommend vaginal dilator therapy (VDT) to prevent radiation-induced vaginal stenosis (VS); however, no standard protocol exists. This review seeks to update our current state of knowledge concerning VS and VDT in radiation oncology. Methods and Materials A comprehensive literature review (1972-2017) was conducted using search terms "vaginal stenosis," "radiation," and "vaginal dilator." Information was organized by key concepts including VS definition, time course, pathophysiology, risk factors, and interventions. Results VS is a well-described consequence of pelvic RT, with early manifestations and late changes evolving over several years. Strong risk factors for VS include RT dose and volume of vagina irradiated. Resultant vaginal changes can interfere with sexual function and correlational studies support the use of preventive VDT. The complexity of factors that drive noncompliance with VDT is well recognized. There are no prospective data to guide optimal duration of VDT, and the consistency with which radiation oncologists monitor VS and manage its consequences is unknown. Conclusions This review provides information concerning VS definition, pathophysiology, and risk factors and identifies domains of VDT practice that are understudied. Prospective efforts to monitor and measure outcomes of patients who are prescribed VDT are needed to guide practice.
La mexicanidad de Xólotl/Axolotl: Maravilla de la literatura y la gastronomía

Per als asteques, els axolotls eren animals divins, ja que representaven al Deu Xolotl, qui va fugir convertint-se en blat de moro, agave i, despres, en axolotl, per evitar el sacrifici, pero, finalment, va ser atrapat i sacrificat. Diversos escriptors mexicans han recuperat tant a Xolotl com a Axolotl en els seus textos literaris i assagistics. Salvador Elizondo escriu “Ambystoma trigrinum”, text que forma part del llibre El grafografo. Aixi tambe Juan Jose Arreola publica “El ajolote”, que despres seria inclos en el seu Bestiario. Octavio Paz recupera el substrat mitologic del deu Xolotl a Salamandra, aixi com tambe ho fa Jose Emilio Pacheco a El reposo del fuego. El meu proposit en aquest assaig consisteix a analitzar com el deu asteca Xolotl i la seva representacio amfibia Axolotl han estat objecte d'estudi en la imaginacio cientifica, cultural i literaria en el Mexic contemporani.
On the feasibility of local utility redesign for multiagent optimization

We study settings in which autonomous agents are designed with the goal of optimizing a given system-level objective. In typical approaches to this problem, each agent is endowed with a decision-making rule that specifies the agent's choice as a function of the information pertaining to the choices made by other agents in the system. This paper considers the scenario where the designed decision-making rules are not implementable in the realized system due to discrepancies between the anticipated and realized information available to the agents, i.e., the agents are in a situation where they do not have access to all information necessary to execute their designed decision-making rule. Given such inconsistencies, the focus of this paper is on whether the agents can preserve system-level efficiency guarantees in these unanticipated scenarios through local and independent redesigns of their decision-making rules. First, we show that distributed submodular maximization problems are particularly amenable to local redesigns of utility functions, i.e., agents can adapt to informational inconsistencies independently without incurring much loss in terms of system-level performance. However, for general non-submodular objective functions, our second result demonstrates that there are no local redesign methodologies that can offer any preservation of system-level efficiency guarantees. Accordingly, centralized coordination of a redesign may be imperative for maintaining efficiency guarantees in such systems.
Knowledge Acquisition and Technology-Supported Projects in the Social Studies for Students with Learning Disabilities

All citizens are expected to participate in the processes of democratic decision making in the postschool years, and the goals of social studies education have long included the preparation of an i...
Primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients older than 80 years of age: survival and outcomes.

Aims Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) reliably improves shoulder pain and function for a variety of indications. However, the safety and efficacy of RSA in elderly patients is largely unknown. T...
Der konstruktivistische Blick auf den Rechtsextremismus

Die hier zu entwickelnde Herangehensweise dient nicht dazu, den Rechtsextremismus in seiner materiellen oder ideologischen Ausgestaltung zu analysieren. Naturlich soll keineswegs geleugnet werden, dass es den Rechtsextremismus als soziales Phanomen tatsachlich gibt, noch soll die Aufgabe einer Analyse der Erscheinungsformen als unnotig oder uberholt abgetan werden. Der Rechtsextremismus wird unter konstruktivistischer Perspektive schlichtweg nicht als ontischer gesellschaftlicher Gegenstand begriffen, sondern als Inhalt und Abgrenzungskriterium eines diskursiven Feldes, als gesellschaftlich virulentes Deutungsmuster, das hinsichtlich seiner Merkmale und seiner Funktionsweise untersucht wird.
Cerebellar theta and beta noninvasive stimulation rhythms differentially influence episodic memory versus language

The cerebellum is thought to interact with distributed brain networks to support cognitive abilities such as episodic memory and language. Episodic memory and language networks have been associated with distinct endogenous oscillatory activity frequency bands: theta (~3-8 Hz) versus beta (~13-30 Hz), respectively. We sought to test whether it is possible to toggle cerebellar participation in episodic memory versus language by noninvasively stimulating with theta versus beta rhythmic transcranial magnetic stimulation. Cerebellar theta stimulation improved episodic memory encoding but did not influence neural signals of language processing, whereas beta stimulation of the same cerebellar location increased neural signals of language processing but did not influence episodic memory encoding. This constitutes evidence for double-dissociation of cerebellar contributions to language versus episodic memory based on stimulation frequency pattern, supporting the hypothesis that the cerebellum can be biased to support these distinct cognitive abilities at the command of network-specific rhythmic activity.
Development and initial applications of an e-ReaxFF description of Ag nanoclusters.

Metal nanocrystals are of considerable scientific interest because of their uses in electronics, catalysis, and spectroscopy, but the mechanisms by which nanocrystals nucleate and grow to achieve selective shapes are poorly understood. Ab initio calculations and experiments have consistently shown that the lowest energy isomers for small silver nanoparticles exhibit two-dimensional (2D) configurations and that a transition into three-dimensional (3D) configurations occurs with the addition of only a few atoms. We parameterized an e-ReaxFF potential for Ag nanoclusters (N ≤ 20 atoms) that accurately reproduces the 2D–3D transition observed between the Ag5 and Ag7 clusters. This potential includes a four-body dihedral term that imposes an energetic penalty to 3D structures that is significant for small clusters but is overpowered by the bond energy from out-of-plane Ag–Ag bonds in larger 3D clusters. The potential was fit to data taken from density-functional theory and coupled-cluster calculations and compared to an embedded atom method potential to gauge its quality. We also demonstrate the potential of e-ReaxFF to model redox reactions in silver halides and plasmon motion using molecular dynamics simulations. This is the first case in which e-ReaxFF is used to describe metals. Furthermore, the inclusion of a bond-order dependent dihedral angle in this force field is a unique solution to modeling the 2D–3D transition seen in small metal nanoclusters.
How Variations in Behavior and Phenotype Affect In-Group Stereotyping and Belonging Among African American Adolescents and Emerging Adults:

The present study based on social identity theory and phenotypic bias models examined how variations in phenotype and behavior related to in-group belonging and stereotyping for African American ad...
Ancylostoma caninum and Other Canine Hookworms

The hookworm Ancylostoma caninum is the most common nematode parasite of dogs. Cosmopolitan in distribution, A. caninum is a serious canine pathogen, causing blood loss, anemia, and sometimes death, especially in puppies. In addition, A. caninum and related hookworms are zoonoses, and are capable of causing disease in humans. This chapter will first review the life cycle of A. caninum, its pathology and treatment in dogs. Next, the diseases caused by A. caninum and closely related canine hookworms in humans will be discussed, including cutaneous larva migrans, eosinophilic enteritis, and diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis. Finally, evidence of the emergence of multidrug-resistant A. caninum and its possible impact on diseases in both dogs and humans will be explored.
Free Exercise and Comer: Robust Entrenchment or Simply More of a Muddle?

Several states are barred by their constitutions from spending public monies in support of sectarian institutions. The United States Supreme Court has manifested great ambivalence about the constitutionality of such limitations, sometimes impliedly endorsed them and at other times suggesting that such limitations are constitutionally disfavored. The Court’s most recent decision dealing with state constitutional spending limitations, Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia, Incorporated v. Comer, adds another layer of complexity and confusion to an already muddled jurisprudence. That decision, unless modified, could have surprising implications that the Court is avowedly unwilling to endorse.
Genetic Basis of Lipoprotein Disorders

Lipoprotein disorders result from abnormal synthesis, processing, or catabolism of plasma lipoprotein particles. These particles consist of a core of cholesterol ester and triglyceride enclosed in a coat of phospholipids and apolipoproteins. More than half of patients with angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease (CAD) before age 60 years have a familial lipoprotein disorder.1 The association is most striking among younger patients and declines with increasing age at first myocardial infarction (MI). This suggests the presence of genetic factors that accelerate age-associated cardiovascular changes seen in the general population.2 Severe hyperlipidemia (total cholesterol >300 mg/dL or triglycerides >500 mg/dL) usually indicates a genetic disorder, and xanthomas almost always signal an underlying genetic defect. These findings warrant examination of the patient’s first-degree relatives.2 Four types of lipoprotein abnormalities are observed: elevated LDL cholesterol; reduced HDL cholesterol, usually with increased triglycerides and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol; elevated levels of chylomicron remnants and intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL); and elevated levels of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] particles.3 Lipoprotein transport genes have been implicated in each of these abnormal lipoprotein phenotypes (Table 1⇓). View this table: Table 1. Genetic Factors in Lipoprotein Abnormalities Cholesterol levels >240 mg/dL are associated with a threefold increased risk of death from ischemic heart disease in men relative to cholesterol levels <200 mg/dL, and there is a continuous risk gradient as cholesterol rises.2 Elevated total cholesterol primarily reflects elevated LDL cholesterol, which constitutes 70% of plasma cholesterol. Disorders characterized by elevation of cholesterol alone are classified as Fredrickson type IIa hyperlipoproteinemia. LDL particles are a constituent of the endogenous (nondietary) fat transport pathway and are formed via action of lipases on precursor particles. Excess carbohydrate or fat reaching the liver that is not required for energy or synthetic purposes is converted into triglycerides, packaged with apolipoproteins, and secreted as VLDL particles. Lipoprotein …
Cuando el Maestro No Habla Español: Children´s Bilingual Language Practices in the Classroom

This article reports on a study of the language use practices and beliefs of bilingual students enrolled in a fourth-grade class taught by a teacher who is only minimally proficient in their native language, Spanish. Combining an ethnographic and a quantitative perspective, the study is based on two major data sources: extensive field observations of the classroom and interviews with the students and teacher.
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release

The aspects of various techniques for endoscopic carpal tunnel release, including the Chow technique, the Japanese technique, and the Agee technique, are reviewed. Anesthesia, portal placement, and ligament cutting techniques are considered. Clinical results, complications, and long-term outcomes of the Chow technique are summarized.
Federal Regulation of Biotechnology Products for Human Use, FDA, Orphan Drug Act

Overview of the Orphan Drug Act Orphan Drug Act's Purpose and Incentives Procedures of the Orphan Drug Act Orphan Drug Market Exclusivity in Biotechnology Business Strategy Effect of the Orphan Drug Act on Drug Innovation Scientific Context of the Problem of Orphan Drug Market Exclusivity History of “Same Drug” Under the Orphan Drug Act Human Growth Hormone Erythropoietin FDA Orphan Drug Regulations Betaseron and Avonex: The Orphan Drug Act's Latest Controversy Same and Different for Drugs in Other FDA Determinations FDA Guidance Document Concerning Demonstration of Comparability of Human Biological Products Generic Drugs Keywords: federal regulation; biotechnology