cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resiliency Analytics Framework for Service Delivery Organizations

Resiliency is a key word for a broad range of service delivery organizations. It is defined as the ability of an organization to rapidly adapt and effectively respond to the disruptions in its operations. A service delivery organization delivers a set of services which are essentially specified by their required set of resources. The organization sets up an infrastructural network of resources required for the service delivery and assigns to each service, its required set of resources. It also keeps sufficient residual capacity of the resources for the purpose of contingency planning. At the time of a disruptive incident, it reallocates the resources to the affected services from its residual capacity to keep the service running while the effects of the disruptions are reversed. Such actions of reallocating the resources to deal with disruptions to the original allocation are called {\em recourse actions}. We develop a framework that enables a data and analytics driven approach to achieve efficient recourse actions based resiliency. Our framework is based on abstractions of three important aspects of a service delivery organization, namely, the infrastructural network of resources, the set of services in terms of their requirements of resources, and the set of disruptive scenarios that an organization has to contend with. Our model also captures the different dependencies that exist within the infrastructure network. For instance, if the power supply is affected, our model allows us to infer all the other infrastructure resources which get affected as a consequence of the lack of power supply. There are no benchmark datasets to test the quality of resiliency analytics because of two reasons: nascency of research in this area and the classified nature of the organizational data required for such analytics. So, we have developed a simulation engine aimed at mimicking real-life organizations. We demonstrate how our framework can be used to proactively identify critical scenarios that could have adverse impact on the service delivery of an organization. We then show how such a knowledge can be used to make intelligent allocation of resources to the services so as to enable efficient recourse actions. These two analyses highlight that our framework can essentially serve as a decision support system for resiliency.
Longevity of Gynol II (R) and Ortho Creme (R) in the prentif cervical cap

Abstract A review of the literature yielded no scientific basis for current recommendations on the length of time spermicide-filled cervical caps can be worn while continuing to protect against pregnancy. Ten cervical cap users provided 99 samples of cap contents after a variety of insertion periods using Gynol II (R), Ortho Crerne (R) and vehicle controls. Testing for spermicidal effect was performed in the laboratory using quality semen from two donors and employing the Multiple Exposure Photography system of semen analysis. Criteria for determining spermicide effectiveness were developed. Results suggest that 3 to 4 days is the reasonable limit for cap use with Gynol II (R) and 5 days with Ortho Creme (R), contrasted with 1 day limits for Gynol II (R) and 2 day limits for Ortho Creme (R) using existing criteria. Limited experience with samples exposed to semen in vivo suggest that spermicidal potency is not lost through repeated intercourse. Recommendations for validating these limits with clinical studies are made.
Effects of brain stem lesions on aldosterone and cortisol secretion.

Brain stem lesions were made by high frequency coagulation in cats that had been maintained on regular or low sodium diets. Four hours after placing the lesion, adrenal venous blood was collected for determination of the secretion rates of aldosterone and cortisol. Discrete lesions placed in the dorsal central region of the rostral midbrain, involving primarily the posterior commissure, the periaqueductal gray substance and structures immediately adjacent to it, resulted in significant reductions in aldosterone output both types of animals. Cortisol output was somewhat depressed in cats on the regular diet following discrete lesions of the rostral midbrain, while in the low sodium group the output of this steroid was unaffected. Larger lesions which involved the habenulae, the stria medullaris and/or the pineal gland, in addition to the central rostral midbrain, modified or obscured the effects of the discrete rostral midbrain lesions on steroid secretion. In animals on either diet these larger lesions re...
ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION OF TIN FROM TETRAKIS(DIMETHYLAMIDO)TITANIUM AND AMMONIA

Near stoichiometric titanium nitride (TiN) was deposited from tetrakis(dimethylamido)titanium (TDMAT) and ammonia using atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition. Experiments were conducted in a belt furnace; static experiments provided kinetic data and continuous operation uniformly coated 150-mm substrates. Growth rate, stoichiometry, and resistivity are examined as functions of deposition temperature (190{endash}420{degree}C), ammonia flow relative to TDMAT (0{endash}30), and total gas-flow rate (residence time 0.3{endash}0.6 s). Films were characterized by sheet resistance measurements, Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry, and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectrometry. Films deposited without ammonia were substoichiometric (N/Ti{lt}0.6{endash}0.75), contained high levels of carbon (C/Ti=0.25{endash}0.40) and oxygen (O/Ti=0.6{endash}0.9), and grew slowly. Small amounts of ammonia (NH{sub 3}/TDMAT{ge}1) brought impurity levels down to C/Ti{lt}0.1 and O/Ti=0.3{endash}0.5. Ammonia increased the growth rates by a factor of 4{endash}12 at temperatures below 400{degree}C. Films 500 A thick had resistivities as low as 1600 {mu}{Omega}-cm when deposited at 280{degree}C and 1500 {mu}{Omega}-cm when deposited at 370{degree}C. Scanning electron micrographs indicate a smooth surface and poor step coverage for films deposited with high ammonia concentrations. {copyright} {ital 1996 Materials Research Society.}
Three-colourable perfect graphs without even pairs

We still do not know how to construct the ''most general'' perfect graph, not even the most general three-colourable perfect graph. But constructing all perfect graphs with no even pairs seems easier, and here we make a start on it; we construct all three-connected three-colourable perfect graphs without even pairs and without clique cutsets. They are all either line graphs of bipartite graphs, or complements of such graphs.
Antigenic and phenotypic variations in fungi

Mechanisms to vary the phenotypic characteristics of fungi are diverse and can be important for their life cycle. This review summarizes phenotypic variability in fungi and divides this phenomenon into three topics: (i) morphological transitions, which are environmentally induced and involve the entire fungal population, (ii) reversible phenotypic switching between different colony morphologies, which is restricted to a small fraction of the population, and (iii) antigenic variation of surface antigens, which can be immuno-dominant epitopes happens in individual fungal cells.
Diagnostic imaging in 2001 - a health economics perspective.

Factors contributing to the growth and diffusion of new imaging technologies are discussed. The benefits derived from implementing and using new technologies are carefully evaluated against the associated costs to both patients and service providers. The need to invest in early scientific assessment of a new imaging technology in order to prevent wasted aquisition and utilisation later on is highlighted. Such assessment might involve evaluating the ability of the technology to improve diagnosis, positively impact on treatment plans and, above all, improve health.
Interpersonal Sensitivity and Sexual Functioning in Young Men with Testicular Cancer: the Moderating Role of Coping

Background Interpersonal sensitivity is characterized by the predisposition to perceive and elicit criticism, rejection, and negative social evaluation. It may be linked to poorer physical or functional health outcomes, particularly in the interpersonal context (cancer-related sexual dysfunction).
CD117 Expression Is a Sensitive but Nonspecific Predictor of FLT3 Mutation in T Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and T/Myeloid Acute Leukemia

Others have suggested that CD117, or an immunophenotypic profile including CD117, can serve as surrogate for FLT3 mutation in T acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), thereby guiding targeted therapy. We report the results of flow cytometry immunophenotypic analysis in 42 cases of T-ALL and T/myeloid acute leukemia also assessed for FLT3 mutation. CD117 was expressed in 21 (50%), and FLT3 was mutated in 8 cases (19%; 1 T-ALL and 7 T/myeloid). FLT3-mutated cases were terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)+/CD2+ (7/8), cytoplasmic CD3+/CD5+ (5/8), CD7+/CD13+/CD15+ (4/6), CD33+ (4/8), CD34+, and CD117+ (bright). Cytochemistry showed myeloperoxidase-positive cells in all T/myeloid acute leukemias (3%-50%). We conclude that FLT3 mutation is rare in T-ALL, and its presence supports T/myeloid lineage. CD117 expression alone is sensitive but not specific for FLT3 mutation. The immunophenotypic profile of TdT, CD7, CD13, CD34, and CD117 (bright) is helpful for predicting FLT3 mutation, with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 94%.
Fuzzy logic controller and real-time implementation of a ball balancing beam

A ball balancing beam is a nonlinear dynamic system which is quite difficult to control using convention methods since some special mathematical techniques and control theory knowledge are required to derive the equations. There are difficult issues in this system: it has delayed feedback associated with control actions; and the 'jumping ball' phenomenon brings sensor uncertainty. Balancing is essential in carrying out robotic tasks such as transporting dynamic system. Relative to conventional controllers, a fuzzy logic controller requires less mathematical derivation in design; it has high noise tolerance, probably gravity independence, and it is portable to other scales of same system setup such as with a shorter beam or a heavier ball. In this paper, membership function construction, and fuzzy rule generation are discussed in detail. The hardware setup is shown. In addition, ways to overcome feedback delays and noisy signals are presented. Finally, the performance of the fuzzy controller will be evaluated and compared to conventional and neural network controllers.
NOx production and rainout from Chicxulub impact ejecta reentry

The Chicxulub impact 66.0 Ma ago initiated the second biggest extinction in the Phanerozoic Eon. The cause of the concurrent oceanic nitrogen isotopic anomaly, however, remains elusive. The Chicxulub impactor struck the Yucatan peninsula, ejecting 2 × 1015 kg of molten and vaporized rock that reentered globally as approximately 1023 microscopic spherules. Here we report that modern techniques indicate that this ejecta generates 1.5 × 1014 moles of NOx, which is enough to cause the observed nitrogen enrichment of the basal layer. Additionally, reentry-based NO production would explain the anomalously heavy isotopic composition of the observed nitrogen. We include N, O, N2, O2, and NO species in simulations of nonequilibrium chemically reacting flow around a reentering spherule. We then determine the net production of NO from all the spherules and use turbulence models to determine how quickly this yield diffuses through the atmosphere. Upon reaching the stratosphere and troposphere, cloud moisture absorbs the NOx and forms nitric acid. We model this process and determine the acidity of the resulting precipitation, which peaks about 1 year after the impact. The precipitation ultimately reaches the upper ocean, where we assume that the well-mixed surface layer is 100 m deep. We then model the naturally occurring carbonate/bicarbonate buffer and determine the net pH. We find that insufficient NOx reaches the ocean to directly cause the observed end-Cretaceous oceanic extinction via acidification and buffer removal. However, the resulting nitrates are sufficient to explain the concurrent nitrogen isotopic anomaly and facilitate an end-Cretaceous algae bloom.
Fatal West Nile Virus Encephalitis in a Heart Transplant Recipient

The diagnosis of encephalitis is particularly challenging in immunocompromised patients. We report here a case of fatal West Nile virus encephalitis confounded by the presence of budding yeast in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a patient who had undergone heart transplantation for dilated cardiomyopathy 11 months prior to presentation of neurologic symptoms.
Organizational fit and acquisition performance: Effects of post-acquisition integration

Based on 173 acquisitions in the U.S. manufacturing industry, this study examines the impact of organizational differences between acquiring and acquired firms on post-acquisition performance. The findings indicate that differences in top management styles have a negative impact on performance in acquisitions characterized by both high and low levels of post-acquisition integration. However, no such relationship was observed between differences in the reward and evaluation systems and post-acquisition performance in either the high or low integration subgroups. Implications of the findings, along with directions for future research, have been discussed in the concluding section of this paper.
Charmides, Agariste and Damon: Andokides 1.16

In De myst . 1.11–18 (see also 1.25), Andokides reports a series of four judicial denunciations (μην⋯σeις), made before the Athenians on four separate occasions in 415 B.c. , concerning profanations of the Eleusinian Mysteries. After statements from the slave Andromachos and the metic Teukros, ‘a third denunciation followed. The wife of Alkmaionides, who had also been the wife of Damon, a woman named Agariste, made a denunciation that in the house of Charmides beside the Olympieion, Alkibiades, Axiochos and Adeimantos celebrated mysteries. And at this denunciation all these men fled’ (1.16). A fourth denunciation was made by the slave Lydos.
THE JUSTICE SYSTEM AND SENTENCING The Importance of Race in the Military

Data on incarcerated Navy and Marine Corps personnel are examined to determine the impact of offender's race on sentence length. The literature on sentencing in the civilian sector has long suggested that under certain circumstances blacks (or whites) receive unjustifiably long sentences. It is argued here that much of the variation in senate is due not just to characteristics of the offender, but also to characteristics of the sentencing process. The military forms a more state sentencing environment than the civilian setting; hence one should expect less variation due to the sentencing process. Analysis revealed that blacks and whites showed no statistically significant differences in sentence length, in both the Navy and Marine Corps. When small differences did exist. whites were usually recipients of the longer sentences.
Inferring gene coexpression networks for low dose ionizing radiation using graph theoretical algorithms and systems genetics

Materials and methods We have developed a tool chain using novel graph algorithms to extract gene coexpression networks from microarray data. We highlight implementation of our tool chain to investigate the effects of in vivo low dose ionizing radiation treatments on mice. We are using systems genetics approach to investigate the biological effects of low dose (10 cGy) ionizing radiation. We measured the base line gene expression profile from spleen tissue of BXD recombinant inbred mice using Illumina microarrays. The data was filtered using coefficient of variance after robust spline normalization and variance stabilizing transformation. A graph was then derived from this data, with probes as vertices and edges between them representing correlations. The graph was analyzed using our toolkit to find the size and number of maximal cliques. We deployed another tool called paraclique that relaxes clique’s requirement that every edge be present between all vertices. Paraclique enables us to account for inherent noise in the microarray data and stochastic nature of biological processes. Using immunophenotype data from the baseline BXD mice, we employed biclique analysis to determine interactions between genotypes and immunophenotypes (%CD4, %CD3, LN T:B, %CD8, and LN CD4:CD8). We also extracted eQTLs from BXD data using QTL-Reaper from base line gene expression profiles. 1881 transcripts were associated with 686 loci. The eQTLs were classified as cis or trans according to their genomic positions. Besides population level studies we also investigated the differential effect of low dose and high dose (1Gy) of ionizing radiations on spleen gene expression in inbred parental strains (C57BL/6J and DBA/2J) of BXD recombinant inbred mice as well as BALB/c mice, a known radiation-sensitive strain.
Fertilization in Voltage-Clamped Sea Urchin Eggs

Following insemination of the voltage-clamped sea urchin egg a characteristic component of the activation current is the initial shoulder with abrupt onset. This is the counterpart of the shoulder of the activation potential, and has a duration of ~12s, equal to that of the latent period. After attaining a maximum, the shoulder of the activation current is followed by a large increase in the inward current culminating in the major peak at ~3Is. One of the most interesting findings in voltage clamp studies of fertilization is that the shoulder phase can be fully, or partially, dissociated from the subsequent phases of the activation current by holding the egg’s membrane potential (Vm) in the neighborhood of the resting value (−70 mV). When the dissociation occurs, either complete or partial, the attached sperm fails to enter the egg. When the dissociation is complete, the isolated shoulder (duration ~11s, now termed a sperm transient current) terminates abruptly, subsequent phases of the activation current do not occur, and the egg otherwise remains in the unfertilized state. When the dissociation is partial, the same isolated shoulder (a step-like current profile, abrupt turn-on and turn-off, duration of ~ I2s) is observed, but from 5 to 25s after return of the current to the holding level, the delayed second or major current phase of a modified activation current occurs, accompanied by delayed elevation of the fertilization envelope. Cleavage fails to occur. Dissociation of the shoulder component from the subsequent phases of the activation current together with suppression of sperm entry is also observed in oocytes (germinal vesicle stage) when single sperm attach. Oocytes have a Vm of –70 mV, and, because of the 15– to 20–fold higher membrane conductance compared to that of eggs, single sperm can depolarize the oocytes’ Vm by only 7 to 8 mV.
Shifting Receptions: Asian American Stereotypes and the Exploration of Comprehensive Media Literacy

Based on focus groups conducted in both 2002 and 2011, this qualitative study found that college students from different racial groups (Asian American, White, and Black) criticized media’s Asian American representations, yet also affirmed that the media corporations should and will maximize their profits—even if this mandate would end up perpetuating stereotypes. This data also revealed that although the Internet, and social media in particular, did offer alternative Asian American images, its impact was only felt by Asian Americans, who were the most motivated to search for representations of their own community. In fact, other racial groups were not aware of these images at all. This suggests that individualized new technology may not be able to resolve media misrepresentations of a particular group, and that awareness for entrenched corporate hegemony is necessary. Disagreeing with a text-based media literacy curriculum, which focuses solely on decoding texts, we argue instead for a comprehensive media...
Examination of pneumococcal vaccination rates among U.S. adult smokers.

Purpose Pneumococcal vaccination rates among U.S. adult smokers in rural and nonrural areas were compared to determine the effect of federal vaccination recommendations. Methods Using bivariate and multivariate techniques, 2005 and 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey data were analyzed for comparative purposes. The dependent variable for this analysis was receipt of pneumococcal vaccine. The population of interest was U.S. adults age 19–64 years who reported that they currently smoked. Covariates included sex, race and ethnicity, household income, educational attainment, geographic area (rural or nonrural location of last routine medical checkup), having a personal health care provider, having health insurance, deferring medical care because of cost, self-defined health status, and receipt of seasonal influenza vaccination in the past 12 months. Results In 2005, 15.5% of smokers reported that they had ever received a pneumonia vaccine; by 2010, this percentage increased to 20.8%. In 2005, rural adult smokers were more likely to receive a pneumococcal vaccine (odds ratio [OR], 1.357; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.338–1.377) than their nonrural counterparts. In 2010, rural adult smokers were less likely to receive the vaccine (OR, 0.952; 95% CI, 0.938–0.966). In both years, men were more likely to receive pneumococcal vaccine, as were those with health insurance and a health care provider. Overall, receipt of a seasonal influenza vaccine was the strongest predictor of smokers receiving pneumococcal vaccine. Conclusion U.S. adult smokers were most likely to receive pneumococcal vaccine if they were men, had health insurance, had a health care provider, and received a seasonal influenza vaccination within the past year.
ECONOMICAL EROSION-RESISTANT RHENIUM COATING ON CARBON SUBSTRATES

Erosion of material surfaces in a hot-gas valve designed to change thrust direction on a rocket motor is a limiting design consideration. Current materials used to produce solid rocket motor nozzles do not have adequate erosion resistance for the mechanical demands of hot-gas valves. This work was intended to develop rhenium as a coating on carbon-carbon substrates in lieu of solid rhenium, which has been used successfully in other hot-gas solid propellant applications. CVD processing was developed successfully depositing rhenium on pitch type carboncarbon substrates. This approach was successful in rocket erosion tests along with SiC infiltrated carboncarbon. These materials had more than 15 times greater resistance to erosion than other typical materials used on current production rocket motors.
Diverse Ensembles of Inhibitory Interneurons

In this issue of Neuron, Karnani et al. (2016) show that ensembles of specific types of inhibitory interneurons generate coordinated activity in mouse visual cortex. They also describe chemical and electrical synaptic mechanisms that may enable diverse interneuron ensembles to function as distinct operational units.
Prognostic Limitations of Syndromic Diagnosis in Disorders of Consciousness

In this issue, Johnson (2016) thoughtfully analyzes inductive risk and inferences in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOCs) to explain the irreducible prognostic uncertainty that vexes fam...
Epigenetic vs. Sequence-Dependent Control of Eukaryotic Replication Timing

Eukaryotic DNA replication follows a reproducible temporal pattern throughout S phase known as the replication timing (RT) program. RT is correlated with gene expression, chromatin structure, and 3D chromatin folding states; it helps to maintain genome integrity, correlates with mutation frequencies, and is altered in many diseases. However, the mechanisms regulating RT remain poorly defined. Studies over the last three decades have attempted to identify specific DNA sequences that regulate this program from yeasts to humans. Recent studies have implicated defined protein-binding motifs in yeasts. In mammals, there is indisputable evidence that epigenetic mechanisms regulate homologue-specific differences in RT, while artificial constructs have been shown to influence RT in a sequence-dependent manner and genomics approaches find compelling correlations of sequence variation to RT. However, the mechanisms linking these features to RT remain elusive.
SU-F-T-156: Monte Carlo Simulation Using TOPAS for Synchrotron Based Proton Discrete Spot Scanning System

Purpose: This study provides an overview of the design and commissioning of the Monte Carlo (MC) model of the spot-scanning proton therapy nozzle and its implementation for the patient plan simulation. Methods: The Hitachi PROBEAT V scanning nozzle was simulated based on vendor specifications using the TOPAS extension of Geant4 code. FLUKA MC simulation was also utilized to provide supporting data for the main simulation. Validation of the MC model was performed using vendor provided data and measurements collected during acceptance/commissioning of the proton therapy machine. Actual patient plans using CT based treatment geometry were simulated and compared to the dose distributions produced by the treatment planning system (Varian Eclipse 13.6), and patient quality assurance measurements. In-house MATLAB scripts are used for converting DICOM data into TOPAS input files. Results: Comparison analysis of integrated depth doses (IDDs), therapeutic ranges (R90), and spot shape/sizes at different distances from the isocenter, indicate good agreement between MC and measurements. R90 agreement is within 0.15 mm across all energy tunes. IDDs and spot shapes/sizes differences are within statistical error of simulation (less than 1.5%). The MC simulated data, validated with physical measurements, were used for the commissioning of the treatment planning system. Patient geometry simulations were conducted based on the Eclipse produced DICOM plans. Conclusion: The treatment nozzle and standard option beam model were implemented in the TOPAS framework to simulate a highly conformal discrete spot-scanning proton beam system.
CHAPTER 256 – Induction and Lateral Specification Mediated by LIN-12/Notch Proteins

Receptors of the LIN-12/Notch family are evolutionarily conserved single pass transmembrane proteins. A single Notch gene exists in Drosophila, whereas two, tin-12 and glp-1, have been described in C elegans and four, Notch-1 to Notch-4, in vertebrates. The ligands for LIN-12/Notch are single pass transmembrane proteins of the DSL family, after canonical proteins from Drosophila and C elegans (Lag-2). Genetic and biochemical experiments on invertebrates, mainly C. elegans and Drosophila melanogaster, and more recently on vertebrates, have defined members of the LIN-12/ Notch signal transduction pathway, as well as an original model for signal transduction. This chapter describes general and conserved features of the LIN-12/Notch signal transduction pathway. It also describes features of two different binary cell fate decisions mediated by this pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans. Finally, it discusses whether the primary role of Notch is to mediate binary decisions between alternative cell fates or to block differentiation.
Continuum of Brain Abnormalities in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

The structural and functional integrity of the brain was assessed by MRI and positron emission tomography (PET) in 19 young adults with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) examined at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver.
Adenovirus serotype 5 vaccine vectors trigger IL-27–dependent inhibitory CD4+ T cell responses that impair CD8+ T cell function

Adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vaccine vectors elicit robust CD8+ T cell responses, but these responses typically exhibit a partially exhausted phenotype. However, the immunologic mechanism by which Ad5 vectors induce dysfunctional CD8+ T cells has not previously been elucidated. Here we demonstrate that, following immunization of B6 mice, Ad5 vectors elicit antigen-specific IL-10+CD4+ T cells with a distinct transcriptional profile in a dose-dependent fashion. In rhesus monkeys, we similarly observed upregulated expression of IL-10 and PD-1 by CD4+ T cells following Ad5 vaccination. These cells markedly suppressed vaccine-elicited CD8+ T cell responses in vivo and IL-10 blockade increased the frequency and functionality of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells as well as improved protective efficacy against challenge with recombinant Listeria monocytogenes. Moreover, induction of these inhibitory IL-10+CD4+ T cells correlated with IL-27 expression and IL-27 blockade substantially improved CD4+ T cell functionality. These data highlight a role for IL-27 in the induction of inhibitory IL-10+CD4+ T cells, which suppress CD8+ T cell magnitude and function following Ad5 vector immunization. A deeper understanding of the cytokine networks and transcriptional profiles induced by vaccine vectors should lead to strategies to improve the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of viral vector-based vaccines.
Dark Shadows in the Promised Land: Landscapes of Terror and the Visual Arts in Charles Brockden Brown’s Edgar Huntly

Charles Brockden Brown is widely known as America’s first writer in the Gothic genre. From the horrors of yellow fever to disembodied voices, murder, and Indian captivity, Brown’s works lead the reader through the twists and turns of the dark side of human nature. While working within what was, in the late eighteenth century, a mainly European mode of writing, Brown depicted a uniquely American experience. In his Preface to his novel Edgar Huntly (1799), Brown wrote that he would replace the “[p]uerile superstition and exploded manners,” the “Gothic castles and chimeras” of Europe with “[t]he incidents of Indian hostility, and the perils of the western wilderness,” which are far more suitable “to create his American tale.”1
Distribution of Fission Products into Tributyl Phosphate under Applied Nuclear Fuel Recycling Conditions

Tributyl phosphate (TBP) is an important industrial extractant used in the Plutonium Uranium Redox Extraction (PUREX) process for recovering uranium and plutonium from used nuclear fuel. Distribution data have been assessed for a variety of fission and corrosion product trace metals at varying uranium concentrations under representative PUREX extraction (3 M HNO3) and stripping (0.1 M HNO3) conditions. As might have been anticipated, the extraction of most trace metals was found to decrease or remain constant with increasing uranium concentration. In contrast, the extraction of some low valence transition metals was found to increase with increasing uranium concentration. The increase in extraction of low valence transition metals may be related to TBP forming reverse micelles instead of recovering uranium as a classical UO2(NO3)2(TBP)2 coordination complex. The low valence transition metals may be being recovered into the cores of the reverse micelles. Also unanticipated was the lack of impact the TBP de...
Residual activity of diamide insecticides for Ostrinia nubilalis control in processing snap bean.

Abstract The processing snap bean industry views European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), larvae as contaminates in beans and has established a near zero tolerance. Currently, growers in New York (USA) apply 1–2 pyrethroid insecticide treatments for O. nubilalis control in snap bean. The objective of this study was to compare the residual efficacy of diamide and traditional pyrethroid insecticides at various foliar application timings against O. nubilalis . Insecticides were tested at four different timings (1, 7, 10, and 14 days before snap bean pod formation) in field trials performed in western New York in 2015 and 2016. Treatments were evaluated for O. nubilalis plant and pod damage and yield. Bioassays using snap bean leaves collected from the treated field plots were used to assess larval mortality. All materials exhibited excellent control of O. nubilalis when applied 1 day before pod formation, reducing pod and plant damage to ∼0%. However, for applications 14 days before pod formation, chlorantraniliprole and chlorantraniliprole + lambda-cyhalothrin consistently had lower pod and plant damage and higher larval mortality compared with the other materials. Chlorantraniliprole applied at 7, 10, and 14 days before pod formation also resulted in higher yields than the untreated control in 2015. Our results indicate that chlorantraniliprole-containing insecticides could be applied only once per season, eliminating the need for multiple applications, and could also be co-applied with fungicides or herbicides, which are applied earlier than standard pyrethroid insecticides. These results indicate that the anthranilic diamides, especially chlorantraniliprole, exhibit longer-term efficacy than pyrethroids, increasing the flexibility of spray timing by growers.
Symbols and Politics

“We will talk about speculation and judgment.” These are the words uttered in my mind’s ear with the sonorous whisper of his French-Belgian accent that came to mind when I thought of writing something in honor of Professor Jacques Taminiaux. It was common for him to begin class with such an introduction coupled with the forewarning that our discussion must inevitably be “provisional.” Mining the history of philosophy requires of our attempt a willingness to continually ask the questions that preceded the questions that preceded the questions. It may well be that the history of philosophy is, as Whitehead averred, a footnote to Plato, but as Taminiaux knew well, Plato’s philosophizing was always “in the shadow of the work of art.” Indeed, it was Taminiaux’s approach to philosophizing that inspired my attempt—humble and provisional to be sure—to explore the roots of the concept of genius as it emerged in Immanuel Kant’s thought.
A Functional Analysis of Adult Affection and Children’s Interpersonal Distance

Four preschool children’s preferences for adult proximity were examined as a function of adult affection in a multiple baseline design. After assessing the children’s proximity preference for each of two adults, the effects of positive affection displayed by the distantly preferred adult towards the children were examined; the closer preferred adult maintained a nonin-teractive role. Changes from baseline to intervention indicated that when affection was related reciprocally and functionally to child behavior and social preference, the children preferred closer proximity to the adult displaying that affection. Discussion focuses on the contributions of the present study, suggestions for future research, and implications for examining interpersonal distance in applied settings.
Response to reduced nicotine content cigarettes among smokers differing in tobacco dependence severity

Abstract This study examines whether tobacco dependence severity moderates the acute effects of reducing nicotine content in cigarettes on the addiction potential of smoking, craving/withdrawal, or smoking topography. Participants (N = 169) were daily smokers with mild, moderate, or high tobacco-dependence severity using the Heaviness of Smoking Index. Following brief abstinence, participants smoked research cigarettes varying in nicotine content (0.4, 2.4, 5.2, 15.8 mg nicotine/g tobacco) in a within-subject design. Results were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of co-variance. No main effects of dependence severity or interactions with nicotine dose were noted in relative reinforcing effects in concurrent choice testing or subjective effects on the modified Cigarette Evaluation Questionnaire. Demand for smoking in the Cigarette Purchase Task was greater among more dependent smokers, but reducing nicotine content decreased demand independent of dependence severity. Dependence severity did not significantly alter response to reduced nicotine content cigarettes on the Minnesota Tobacco Withdrawal Scale nor Questionnaire of Smoking Urges-brief (QSU) Factor-2 scale; dependence severity and dose interacted significantly on the QSU-brief Factor-1 scale, with reductions dependent on dose among highly but not mildly or moderately dependent smokers. Dependence severity and dose interacted significantly on only one of six measures of smoking topography (i.e., maximum flow rate), which increased as dose increased among mildly and moderately but not highly dependent smokers. These results suggest that dependence severity has no moderating influence on the ability of reduced nicotine content cigarettes to lower the addiction potential of smoking, and minimal effects on relief from craving/withdrawal or smoking topography.
Energy efficient neuromorphic processing using spintronic memristive device with dedicated synaptic and neuron terminology

Research towards brain-inspired computing based on beyond CMOS devices has gained momentum in recent years. The motivation beyond this vigorous research prevails in exploitation of the resemblance between the computing principles and the device characteristics. To this end, the devices are used to perform otherwise time-consuming and power hungry tasks required for brain-inspired computing. Due to their miniaturized dimensions, zero leakage and nonvolatility, spintronic devices are among the most promising class of beyond CMOS devices. In this paper, we propose a novel spintronic structure based on antiferrromagnetically coupled domain walls. The device structure enables dedicated terminology for synaptic and neuron connections. This characteristic enables more efficient design of neuromorphic systems by allowing larger design space for designers. Furthermore, thanks to the coupling between the domain walls, the device can potentially operate at higher speeds while maintaining the energy consumption of the device; this higher speed contributes to improved performance of the neuromorphic system. In order to evaluate our proposed device structure, we developed a cross-layer simulation framework. Our simulation framework analyzes the neuromorphic system at the device, circuit and algorithm levels. Our simulation results show an order of magnitude improvement in the energy consumption compared to CMOS and analog neurons and up to 2X performance improvement as well as 8% improvement in the energy over state-of-the-art neuromorphic platforms using spintronic devices.
How Do Aging Adults Adopt and Use a New Technology? New Approach to Understand Aging Service Technology Adoption

This study examines two traditional technology acceptance models and their applications in Aging Service Technology (AST). Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and United Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) have been widely used in diverse technology adoption research. However, these models excessively depend on self-reported subjective measures, attitudes and perceptions of users, and their solutions lack practical contributions. In addition, both models lack unique contextual barriers needed for understanding the AST adoption process. To complement their limitations, a new approach that includes not only additional contextual constructs but also objective measures such as behavioral data or physiological measures is suggested. The new approach will contribute to the development of practical solutions to achieve Aging in Place.
Fuzzy Set Methods in Computer Vision

Computer vision is the study of theories and algorithms involving the sensing and transmission of images; preprocessing of digital images for noise removal, smoothing, or sharpening of contrast; segmentation of images to isolate objects and regions; description and recognition of the segmented regions; and finally interpretation of the scene. We normally think of images in the visible spectrum, either monochrome or color, but in fact, images can be produced by a wide range of sensing modalities including X-rays, neutrons, ultrasound, pressure sensing, laser range finding, infrared, and ultraviolet, to name a few.
The Impossible Prayers of James Boyd White

Starting with an analysis of one of James Boyd White's most recent sermons, offered here as representative, this paper suggests that much of Jim’s lifetime of work in law and literature, thought of in light of these sermons, can be read as his attempt to address through reading performances the very personal issue of how to speak to his secular audience in a religious voice. For those of you familiar with his work, this is an issue quite similar to the one Jim reads George Herbert as addressing, but for Jim it regards a religion, we might say, several steps removed from Herbert’s, one for which the issue of speaking is not so much how to gesture towards the divine in words, but what sense to make of doing so. Along the way, and assisted primarily by Ricoeur (on reading) and Heidegger (on art and technology), I ask what it is about texts, about art, and about ways of reading that make these so central to his project. Circling back around to the sermon, the concluding sections briefly address the question of what difference sacred texts as art, and an audience formed by these texts, make, and what this difference tell us about Jim’s other works. These are obviously deep and uncertain waters in which, as Jim puts it, we must somehow “learn to sail” if we are to be alive in the way he has spent his life describing, and in them I only wade out from the shore, hoping to encourage you to venture farther.
Energy-Aware Adaptive Rate and Resolution Sampling of Spectrally Sparse Signals Leveraging VCMA-MTJ Devices

This paper devises a novel adaptive framework for the energy-aware acquisition of spectrally sparse signals. The adaptive quantized compressive sensing (CS) techniques, beyond-complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) hardware architecture, and corresponding algorithms which utilize them have been designed concomitantly to minimize the overall cost of signal acquisition. First, a spin-based adaptive intermittent quantizer (AIQ) is developed to facilitate the realization of the adaptive sampling technique. Next, a framework for smart and adaptive determination of the sampling rate and quantization resolution based on the instantaneous signal and hardware constraints is introduced. Finally, signal reconstruction algorithms which process the quantized CS samples are investigated. Simulation results indicate that an AIQ architecture using a spin-based quantizer incurs only 20.98- $\mu \text{W}$ power dissipation on average using 22-nm technology for 1–8 bits uniform output. Furthermore, in order to provide 8-bit quantization resolution, 85.302- $\mu \text{W}$ maximum power dissipation is attained. Our results indicate that the proposed AIQ design provides up to 6.18-mW power savings on average compared to other adaptive rate and resolution CMOS-based CS analog-to-digital converter designs. In addition, the mean square error values achieved by the simulation results confirm efficient reconstruction of the signal based on the proposed approach.
Electrochemical control of the thermal stability of atomically thin Ag films on Au(111)

Abstract Alterations of a surface even on the nanoscale can have a significant impact on the physical properties and subsequent applications of a bulk system. Using Electrochemical Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (EC-STM) to perform an investigation of AgCl and AgBr deposition, evidence suggests multiple chemical mechanisms for the formation of a single, atomically-thin Ag layer on Au(111). Ag deposition has been extensively studied on Au(111). However, few reports provide a detailed mechanism of surface adsorption from Ag solutions. The electrochemical phenomena of Underpotential Deposition (UPD) was used to deposit up to a monolayer of Ag on the Au surface. Cyclic voltammograms (CVs) indicated two UPD peaks of +0.87 V (region 1) and +0.38 V (region 2) vs Ag/AgCl in the AgCl system and one peak at +0.87 V (region 1) in the AgBr system. The presence of two UPD peaks in the AgCl system suggests two different chemical reactions as the deposition mechanism of Ag on Au(111), region 1 representing a reduction of Ag+ as a dissociated cation, which was also seen in the AgBr system, and region 2 representing a reduction of AgCl as a solvated undissociated unit. According to EC-STM images, region 1 deposition resulted in a (4 × 4) packing of the Ag atoms, while deposition in region 2 produced a more closely packed surface with a corresponding (1 × 1) unit cell. A detailed understanding of the nature of these deposition processes is necessary to the fundamental characterization of these atomically thin-metal layers, as well as their subsequent applications. Importantly, relevant applications may include exploiting the thermal stability of the Ag layers, which was drastically affected by the deposition parameters. Deposition of Ag in region 1 resulted in a layer that was thermally unstable after a heat treatment at 1000 K, while the opposite was true from the deposition in region 2. It is proposed that the origin of stability is derived from both the Ag source and the electrochemical deposition conditions.
Coverage Path Planning for a UAS Imagery Mission using Column Generation with a Turn Penalty

This paper introduces a novel Coverage Path Planning (CCP) algorithm for a Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) imagery mission. The proposed CPP algorithm is a vehicle-routing-based approach using a column generation method. In general, one of the main issues of the traditional arc-based vehicle routing approaches is imposing a turn penalty in a cost function because a turning motion of vehicle requires the more amount of energy than a cruise motion. However, the conventional vehicle-routing-based approaches for the CPP cannot capture a turning motion of the vehicle. This limitation of the arc-based mathematical model comes from the property of turning motions, which should be evaluated from two arcs because a turn motion occurs at a junction of the arcs. In this paper, to mitigate the limitation, a route-based model using column generation approach with a turn penalty is proposed. To demonstrate the proposed CPP approach, numerical simulations are conducted with a conventional CPP algorithm.
Asbestos treatment technologies

The use of asbestos was banned because of the carcinogenic properties of its fibres, but asbestos-containing wastes are still present in great amounts. They are currently landfilled or encapsulated with resins, but these approaches led to the release of fibres in the environment. Hence, the destruction of asbestos fibres is now regarded as a preferable option. This study aims at reviewing the currently available technologies for the destruction of asbestos fibres, considering thermal, chemical and mechanochemical processes. The considered thermal treatments include both standard vitrification and thermal treatments with controlled recrystallization. Advantages and applications of the addition of other inorganic materials are described, and the use of microwaves and oxyhydrogen as heat carrier are discussed in full details. The best practices for chemical treatments based on strong acidic or basic solutions are reported, as well as the use of fluorine. This study also investigates the reaction of asbestos with reducing agents in the self-propagating high-temperature syntheses and the use of supercritical water in a hydrothermal treatment. Mechanochemical processes such as high-energy milling are also reviewed. A comparison is given in terms of energy costs, consumption of chemicals, emissions and final use of obtained byproducts.