cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Empirically Estimating Order Constraints for Content Planning in Generation

In a language generation system, a content planner embodies one or more "plans" that are usually hand--crafted, sometimes through manual analysis of target text. In this paper, we present a system that we developed to automatically learn elements of a plan and the ordering constraints among them. As training data, we use semantically annotated transcripts of domain experts performing the task our system is designed to mimic. Given the large degree of variation in the spoken language of the transcripts, we developed a novel algorithm to find parallels between transcripts based on techniques used in computational genomics. Our proposed methodology was evaluated two--fold: the learning and generalization capabilities were quantitatively evaluated using cross validation obtaining a level of accuracy of 89%. A qualitative evaluation is also provided.
Recent Climate Change in the Tropical Western Pacific and Indian Ocean Regions as Detected by Outgoing Longwave Radiation Records

Abstract Recent climate change in tropical convection in the western Pacific and Indian Ocean regions is inferred from the outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) records. The systematic bias in the OLR series is first corrected and results of the rotated empirical orthogonal function analysis indicate that the bias, to a first approximation, has been corrected. Linear regression analysis and nonparametric Mann–Kendall rank statistics are employed to detect trends. From 1974 to 1992, trend analyses based on the entire consecutive monthly records suggest a significant decrease in OLR over the tropical central–western Pacific and a large portion of the Indian Ocean. In contrast, northern Australia shows the largest increase in OLR over time. The significance of the local linear trend pattern has been determined via a Monte Carlo simulation technique that scrambles OLR time series at each grid point “simultaneously” and results show the field significance. An increase in convection shows a preference to occur in t...
Identifying Classes of Explanations for Crime Drop: Period and Cohort Effects for New York State

This paper advances current understanding of the contemporary crime drop by focusing on the changes in the age distribution of arrests from 1990 to 2010. Using the New York State Computerized Criminal History (CCH) file, which tracks every arrest in the state, we apply standard demographic methods to examine age-specific arrest rates over time. We test whether the 25 % drop in the felony arrest rate can be best explained by period or cohort effects with special attention to how the phenomenon varies across crime types and regions within the state. Following the analytic approach of O’Brien and Stockard (J Quant Criminol 25(1):79–101, 2009), we fit the age–period–cohort (APC) model using the generalized inverse matrix, which creates an estimable model. We partition the model variation into each factor by subtracting the variation of the two-factor model from the variation of the three-factor model to provide a direct comparison of the two different classes of explanations for crime drop: period and cohort. Our analysis supports a cohort explanation over a period explanation. Controlling for the (substantial) variation due to age, the cohort effect accounts for twice as much of the remaining variation as the period effect. Specifically, the drop in arrest rates is concentrated in more recent birth cohorts across all ages. Although we found statistically significant age–period interaction effects for the younger age group (ages 16–20) in 1990 and 1995, the cohort effect was still a much stronger predictor of felony arrest rates than the period explanation, even with the age–period interaction. The current study reports that the overall drop in felony arrest rates from 1990 to 2010 is mostly due to decreased arrests among those who were born after 1970 rather than a universal drop across different age groups. We discuss but do not test two potential explanations—the legalization of abortion and the ban on leaded gasoline—for the underlying factors associated with a different criminal propensity among birth cohorts.
Eye Injuries and Prevention

A disproportionate share of ocular and orbital injuries occur in children. This article reviews the evaluation and initial management of ocular trauma and chemical burns to the eye. Traumatic conditions are classified according to the particular area of the eye or orbit involved; chemical burns constitute a separate section. Sports-related injuries and their prevention are emphasized.
2015 Quadrennial Technology Review

The United States is in the midst of an energy revolution. Over the last decade, the United States has slashed net petroleum imports, dramatically increased shale gas production, scaled up wind and solar power, and cut the growth in electricity consumption to nearly zero through widespread efficiency measures. Technology is helping to drive this revolution, enabled by years to decades of research and development that underpin these advances in the energy system. The Department of Energy's 2015 Quadrennial Technology Review (QTR) examines the status of the science and technology that are the foundation of our energy system, together with the research, development, demonstration, and deployment opportunities to advance them. This analysis is particularly instructive in the run up to the international climate negotiations taking place later this year at the 21st Conference of Parties, as technological advancements will be crucial to achieving global greenhouse gas emissions reductions. During his presentation, Under Secretary for Science and Energy Lynn Orr will provide an overview of the highlights of the QTR report and discuss examples of promising research and development opportunities that can help the nation achieve a low-carbon economy.
A Longitudinal Study of Residential Internet Usage among Elementary Students

The PCs for Families Project is a three-year field experiment which studies how ubiquitous access to network technology in both the classroom and home impacts rural elementary students and their famines. The project sends a network computer home with participating families, trains all family members in its use, offers on-call technical support, and provides tree residential Internet services. A proxy server records home Internet usage so mat family usage patterns can be determined. This paper presents a preliminary investigation of how 24 fifth grade students utilized the Internet during their first year in the project and of the factors which influenced usage. Experiment results have implications for both research (e.g., how student Internet usage changes over time) and design (e.g., what features of the Internet posed challenges to the children).
Red blood cell folate concentrations and polyglutamate distribution in juvenile arthritis: predictors of folate variability.

OBJECTIVE Methotrexate (MTX) has several enzymatic targets in the folate pathway. To better understand the variability in response to MTX, we characterized the interindividual variability of intracellular folate pools in children with juvenile arthritis (JA) and determined clinical and genetic contributors to this variability. STUDY DESIGN This exploratory single-center cross-sectional study evaluated 93 patients with JA not currently receiving MTX. Whole blood, plasma, and erythrocyte folate concentrations were determined after deconjugation and analyzed through reversed-phase separation and stable isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry. Folate polyglutamates were measured in red blood cell lysates using an ion-pair reversed phase chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method. RESULTS Intracellular concentrations of 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate (5-CH3-THF) and 5,10-methenyl-tetrahydrofolate varied approximately 20-fold and 80-fold, respectively. The polyglutamated forms of 5-CH3-THF as a percentage of total 5-CH3-THF (5-CH3-THFGlun) were also measured. Hierarchical clustering of 5-CH3-THFGlun revealed two groups, each with two distinct clusters. There was an inverse relationship between 5-CH3-THFGlun chain length and plasma 5-CH3-THF concentrations. A subgroup of patients with a historical intolerance to MTX had significantly lower cellular folate concentrations (P<0.0001). In univariate analyses, clinical variables including sex, age, and folate supplementation in addition to variations in MTHFR, MTR, and SLC25A32 were associated with differential intracellular folate redox concentrations. Multivariate analysis further supported the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in SLC25A32, MTHFR, and MTR with variability in intracellular 5-CH3-THF and 5,10-methenyl-tetrahydrofolate concentrations, respectively. CONCLUSION Measurement of intracellular folate isoforms may contribute toward a better understanding of individual MTX effects in JA. Clinical variables in addition to genotypic differences beyond MTHFR may additionally explain differential intracellular folate concentrations and variable responses to MTX.
Acceptance of the Roebling Medal of the Mineralogical Society of America for 2011

Mr. President, Members of the Society, and Guests: I am most grateful to the Mineralogical Society of America and to my many teachers, colleagues, students, and friends who made this award possible. I am the luckiest person in the world! How many of you have such fortune to have my Ph.D. advisor as lifetime friend, colleague, boss, coach, and mentor for nearly half a century to give such a wonderful introduction? Indeed, Gary, thanks for your kind words and for your nomination, and to Gordon Brown, Doug Rumble, Harry Green, Nick Sobolev, Shige Maruyama, and Brad Hacker for support to make this exciting occasion for my wife and me. Of course, without the support and love of my wife Hsiu-Yin (Sue) and family members, this medal would not be possible. I have been blessed with much good fortune. I was raised in a very poor family in a small town during the Second World War when Taiwan was occupied by Japan. I was transformed from a water-buffalo boy through a college student to a university Professor. I passed several stiff entrance examinations and was admitted to the best high school and university (NTU) in Taiwan. In fact, the only Taiwanese Nobel Prize winner graduated from the same high school and university. I thank the late Chief Geologist of the Chinese Petroleum Cooperation in my hometown, Prof. Meng Zao-Yi for introducing me to the field of geology when I was a high school kid. I received a solid undergraduate training in geology and have interacted with several outstanding NTU students including Bor-Ming Jahn, Dave Mao, Yui-Ning Hsieh, I-Ming Chou, Chin-Hwa Lo, Tzen-Fu Yui, and many others. In 1965, I was admitted to UCLA and started my graduate training under Gary’s supervision. Instead of following his pursuit of amphibole stability, I conducted …
Detection of Dual Heterodera avenae Resistance plus Tolerance Traits in Spring Wheat

The cereal cyst nematode Heterodera avenae reduces wheat yield in the Pacific Northwest. Resistance and tolerance traits among spring wheat cultivars were poorly defined. Screening trials were conducted with 39 cultivars over a 2-year period in irrigated commercial fields that were infested by H. avenae. Comparisons were made between drill strips treated or untreated with aldicarb at the time of planting. Root sampling at the time of plant anthesis indicated that cultivars differed greatly in susceptibility to H. avenae, with numbers of newly produced white H. avenae females ranging from <5 to 70 per plant. Aldicarb reduced mean numbers of white females as much as 99% on the most susceptible cultivar ('Glee') and increased mean grain yield as much as 77% for the least tolerant cultivar ('Cataldo'). Density of H. avenae eggs in untreated soil following harvest was significantly higher than the density in aldicarb-treated plots. Agronomically acceptable traits of resistance plus tolerance were identified in one cultivar of hard red spring wheat ('WB-Rockland') and two cultivars of hard white spring wheat ('Klasic' and 'LCS Star') but in none of the soft white spring wheat cultivars. This is the first report of spring wheat cultivars expressing the dual traits of resistance plus tolerance to H. avenae.
Effects of serotonin on reproductive hormone levels and testis morphology in adult male rats.

AbstractThe effects of subcutaneous implantation of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) on serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), testosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and on testicular morphology were investigated in adult male rats. Four weeks after a single implantation of 5-HT (10 mg/kg body weight) a significant increase in serum FSH and a decrease in testes weights were observed. Histological examination of the testes indicated degenerative changes in a few seminiferous tubules. Implantation of 5-HT at two successive 4-week intervals or implantation of 5-HT once followed by methysergide maleate 4 weeks later resulted in reduction of testes size, increase in serum FSH and LH, and extensive degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules. Implantation of methysergide maleate alone did not have any effect on hormonal profiles, body weight, and testes weight. It is suggested that the serum gonadotropin increase is secondary to the 5-HT eff...
Reproducibility of Red Blood Cell Morphologic Interpretation Using Cellavision DM96 Analyzer

The CellaVision DM96 (Lund, Sweden) utilizes digital slide scanning and image analysis to characterize peripheral blood smears. It is approved for leukocyte (WBC) differential counts and characterization and also has platelet estimation capabilities. This study evaluated the reproducibility of red blood cell (RBC) morphologic interpretation using DM96 imaging compared to manual light microscopic examination. Wright-stained peripheral blood smears …
Pressure driven flow of superfluid He 4 through a nanopipe

An experimental study of the flow of superfluid helium through single nanopipes with radii of order 100 nm and lengths of a few millimeters, reveals the existence of two distinct flow regimes above and below a critical pressure drop ${P}_{c}$. For $Pg{P}_{c}$, the flow velocity is more than an order of magnitude higher than the Feynman critical velocity.
The presentation and management of choledochocele (type III choledochal cyst): A 40-year systematic review of the literature

Abstract Background Choledochoceles may cause biliary obstruction and harbor malignancy. We conducted a 40-year systematic review of the literature for this rare anomaly. Methods PubMed and Cochrane databases were accessed 1975–2015 using terms “choledochocele” or “choledochal cyst”. Studies reviewed that met the following criteria: English language, published 1975–2015 with human subjects. Results 325 patients with a choledochocele were identified, including 71 case reports and 254 cases within institutional reviews. 13 pediatric case reports of choledochocele exist, with abdominal pain being the most common symptom (n = 11). The most frequent diagnostic and treatment modalities were ultrasound (n = 10), and endoscopic sphincterotomy (n = 5). No malignancies were reported. 58 adult case reports exist, with the most common presenting symptom being abdominal pain (n = 54). Ultrasound was the frequently employed diagnostic modality (n = 32). Open procedures were performed more often (n = 30). Malignant lesions were identified in 5. In 42 institutional reviews, the frequency of choledochocele was 0.7%. Of those for whom treatment was reported, 69% underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy. Conclusion Choledochocele is a rare malformation. Similarities exist between pediatric and adult patients, but malignancy has only been reported in adults. An algorithm based on patient age, cyst size, lining and amenability to endoscopic resection may be considered as a treatment strategy for this uncommon condition.
Inflammation, Immune Activation, Immunosenescence, and Hormonal Biomarkers in the Frailty-Related Phenotype of Men With or at Risk for HIV Infection

Background The extent to which inflammation, immune activation/immunosenescence, and hormonal abnormalities are driven by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or frailty is not clear. Methods HIV-infected frail men (n = 155) were matched to nonfrail, HIV-infected (n = 141) and HIV-uninfected (n = 150) men by age, calendar year, and antiretroviral therapy use (HIV-infected men only). Frailty was defined by ≥3 frailty-related phenotype criteria (weight loss, exhaustion, low activity, slowness) at ≥2 visits, or at 1 visit with ≥1 criteria at ≥2 visits. The following measurements were obtained: interleukin 6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, soluble receptors for tumor necrosis factor α 1 and 2, the percentages of CD4+CD28-, CD8+CD28-, CD4+CD38+HLA-DR+, and CD8+CD38+HLA-DR+ T cells, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, free testosterone, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and insulin-like growth factor 1. Log-linear regressions were adjusted for a priori selected covariates to determine differences by frailty and HIV status. Results In multivariate analyses adjusted for covariates, frailty was associated among HIV-infected men with higher interleukin 6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and lower free testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone levels. In contrast, HIV infection but not frailty was associated with significantly greater immune senescence (percentage of CD4+CD28- or CD8+CD28- T cells) and immune activation (percentages of CD4+CD38+HLA-DR+ and CD8+CD38+HLA-DR+ T cells). Conclusions Frailty among HIV-infected men was associated with increased inflammation and lower hormone levels, independent of comorbid conditions. Interventions targeting these pathways should be evaluated to determine the impact on prevention or reversal of frailty among HIV-infected men.
Interim report from the field: reconciling Islamic ethics, fossil fuel dependence, and climate change in the middle east

The dominance of fossil fuel economies in the Middle East with large Muslim majority populations has led to a recurring question about the role Islamic ethics might play in galvanizing action on climate change. However, the perceived clash of economic values versus environmental norms in Islam deservesmore careful examination. This brief article considers the advent of the "Islamic Declaration on Climate Change"whichwas promulgated in 2015 and considers the tangible steps Muslim government leaders and civil society have taken on this matter. The tangible steps that are being considered with an action plan are discussed in the light of earlier environmental movements within Islam. A brief discussion of environmental norms within Islamic scriptures is also provided to give theological context to this narrative. The establishment of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in the UAE as a treaty-based organizationwithUnitedNations affiliations is also considered. The environment can play an important peace-building role in the region as exemplified by organizations such as Eco-peace in Palestine, Israel, and Jordan. Based on the analysis of these developments, it is likely that Muslim countries will continue to play a more proactive role in addressing climate change than they are often given credit for in popular discourse.
Commercialization of Biomass Conversion

Biomass for fuels and chemicals remains a potentially viable option and opportunities for commercialization should be pursued. In the US, apart from the possible use of agricultural wastes, energy ...
Factors Favoring Ferroelectricity in Hafnia: A First-Principles Computational Study

The surprising ferroelectricity displayed by hafnia thin films has been attributed to a metastable polar orthorhombic (Pca21) phase. Nevertheless, the conditions under which this (or another competing) ferroelectric phase may be stabilized remain unresolved. It has been hypothesized that a variety of factors, including strain, grain size, electric field, impurities and dopants, may contribute to the observed ferroelectricity. Here, we use first-principles computations to examine the influence of mechanical and electrical boundary conditions (i.e., strain and electric field) on the relative stability of a variety of relevant nonpolar and polar phases of hafnia. We find that although strain or electric field, independently, do not lead to a ferroelectric phase, the combined influence of in-plane equibiaxial deformation and electric field results in the emergence of the polar Pca21 structure as the equilibrium phase. The results provide insights for better controlling the ferroelectric characteristics of haf...
Prägende Bindungen in Tanja Dückers’s Novels: An Analysis of Transgenerational Family Memory

The depiction of transgenerational memory and trauma within the family features prominently in novels by so-called third generation German authors, such as Tanja Duckers. This generation of authors in Germany has been labeled apolitical or unconstrained by the past. My analysis of Duckers’ statements in interviews and non-fictional texts, and her novels, in particular, Himmelskorper (2002) and Der langste Tag des Jahres (2006), shows that this is not the case. In fact, her fictional portrayal of familial influences and transgenerational memory and trauma illustrates the way contemporary German families may continue to be impacted by their family members’ experiences during Germany’s National Socialism period.
Practical uses of SPFIT

Abstract Over twenty-five years ago, Herb Pickett introduced his quantum-mechanical fitting programs to the spectroscopic community. The utility and flexibility of the software has enabled a whole generation of spectroscopists to analyze both simple and complex spectra without having to write and compile their own code. Last year Stewart Novick provided a primer for the coming generation of users. This follow-on work will serve as a guide to intermediate and advanced usage of the software. It is meant to be used in concert with the online documentation as well as the spectral line catalog archive.
Abstract 5710:PGRMC1is a biomarker for breast cancer cell proliferation and early relapse

Background: Breast cancers may recur following a long latency period, implying a dormant or quiescent phase, however little is known about the biology of cellular quiescence and few markers exist for this clinically important state. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether progesterone receptor membrane component family 1 (PGRMC1), which is expressed in both proliferating and quiescent tumor cells, is a prognostic biomarker in human breast cancer and to define its expression in breast cancer subtypes. Methods: Seventeen publicly available data sets were combined to analyze PGRMC1 expression in 4,463 invasive breast cancers as a function of established molecular and phenotypic markers, estimates of cellular proliferation, and recurrence-free survival data. A gene expression signature-based assay was utilized to estimate cellular proliferation. Association between gene expression and relapse-free survival was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression while controlling for the effect of proliferation. Results: PGRMC1 expression was analyzed stratified by immunohistochemical and molecular subtype, tumor grade and size and compared with a known triple negative breast cancer biomarker, BCL11a. PGRMC1 and BCL11a each exhibited a robust positive correlation of comparable magnitude with proliferation across all breast cancer subtypes (r=0.27, p=6.5x10-17 and r=0.29, 1.7x10-41, respectively), and PGRMC1 was strongly associated with proliferation within the basal subtype (r=0.42, p=2.4x10-37 PGRMC1 versus 0.31, p=1.1x10-8 BCL11a). PGRMC1 expression was associated with a higher risk of early breast cancer recurrence (HR=1.25, 95% CI [1.12,1.39], p=6.4x10-5) and this association was dependent upon its association with proliferation. Conclusions: PGRMC1 is a breast cancer proliferation biomarker. Further study of the function of this protein is warranted. Citation Format: Elizabeth S. McDonald, Dhruv K. Pant, Tien-chi Pan, David A. Mankoff, Robert H. Mach, Lewis A. Chodosh. PGRMC1 is a biomarker for breast cancer cell proliferation and early relapse [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5710. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5710
Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome criteria in lean, normoglycemic college-age subjects

Abstract Aims The goal of this study was to determine insulin sensitivity in a fasted state and during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), in normoglycemic (NGT), lean (L) (n = 35) and, for comparison, overweight/obese (OW/O) (n = 9) college-aged subjects. Materials and Methods Insulin sensitivity for 44 NGT, normotensive subjects, age 18–26 yrs., was determined by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) and from Matsuda index (ISI Matsuda). Results Subjects were normoglycemic fasted (4.59 + 0.35 mmol/L) and at two hours post OGTT (4.52 + 1.35 mmol/L). Besides anthropometric measures, there were significant differences between OW/O and L for fasting insulin (P + 0.51, range 0.3–2.7) and an 8-fold range in ISI Matsuda (11.9 + 4.7, range 3.0–24.2). The latter was inversely correlated with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.35, P = 0.04) even though subjects were normotensive. In lean subjects, 2.3% were IR by HOMA-IR > 2.1, 5.7% by ISI Matsuda 5.9, and 22.9% had > one criteria for metabolic syndrome (MetS); 28.6% had some negative metabolic biomarker. Conclusions Insulin resistance is present in lean, NGT college-age subjects even without MetS criteria and is discernable with an easily applicable OGTT-derived index.
Differences in T cell subsets between men and women with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder, occurring predominantly in women. We studied by flow cytofluorimetry the T cell subsets in men and women with ITP and compared them with healthy sex-matched volunteers. In healthy controls, women were found to have higher proportions of T helper/inducer (Th/i) and lower T suppressor/cytotoxic (Ts/c) lymphocytes and consequently higher Th/i:Ts/c ratios than men. Accordingly, in clinical surveys, patients and controls should be matched for sex for proper comparisons. In patients with ITP in its active phase, an imbalance in T cell subsets was found in both sexes. The perturbation was more severe in women who had a marked decrease in number and proportion of Th/i lymphocytes and an increase in the proportion of Ts/c lymphocytes, whereas in men only, the proportion of Th/i lymphocytes was decreased. When patients with active disease were compared to those with ITP in remission, the decrease in Th/i subsets still persisted in both sexes but the Ts/c subset in women had returned to normal proportions. Therefore, the immune imbalance in ITP is more marked in women than men; imbalances in both Th/i and Ts/c are present in women while Ts/c appears not to be involved in men.
Quantum Chemical‐QSPR Estimation of the Acidities and Basicities of Organic Compounds

Abstract The use of quantum chemically determined molecular descriptors for the estimation of the acidities and basicities of organic compounds is described. This approach offers an alternative to the more elaborate and computationally demanding “absolute” method for p K a estimation based on thermodynamic cycles. In the descriptor-based quantitative structure–property relationship approach, correlations are sought between selected molecular parameters—most often calculated using quantum chemical methods—and the p K a s of a series of related compounds. In addition to simplicity and generally high accuracy, such an approach can offer insights into the fundamental electronic features that govern acid/base dissociation processes.
Bandwidth Recovery: Helping Students Reclaim Cognitive Resources Lost to Poverty, Racism, and Social Marginalization

In the book, Bandwidth Recovery: Helping Students Reclaim Cognitive Resources Lost to Poverty, Racism, and Social Marginalization, the author Cia Verschelden highlighted the deleterious effects of ...
Realization of Smooth Pursuit for a Quantized Compliant Camera Positioning System

This paper presents a discrete switching controller for a realization of smooth pursuit. The human eye can produce both rapid and smooth movements, positioned by muscles that are a collection of quantized flexible motor units. From a control point of view, smooth pursuit can be considered as velocity matching control of an impulsive dynamical system. This may be feasible by a conventional pulsewidth modulation (PWM) controller; however, it causes high-frequency switching in each motor unit and may damage a compliant actuation system. The proposed controller generates reduced switching by optimizing a series of discrete switching commands at each primitive in an open-loop manner. This study uses a camera positioner driven by quantized compliant actuators and aims to match the velocity of a target object, while images are being captured to avoid motion blur. After images are obtained, the discrete switching controller suppresses residual vibrations to reduce switching further. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed discrete switching controller outperformed the classical PWM controller and successfully tracked an object of interest during an exposure window.
A Semantic Hierarchy for Intuitionistic Logic

Abstract Brouwer’s views on the foundations of mathematics have inspired the study of intuitionistic logic, including the study of the intuitionistic propositional calculus and its extensions. The theory of these systems has become an independent branch of logic with connections to lattice theory, topology, modal logic, and other areas. This paper aims to present a modern account of semantics for intuitionistic propositional systems. The guiding idea is that of a hierarchy of semantics, organized by increasing generality: from the least general Kripke semantics on through Beth semantics, topological semantics, Dragalin semantics, and finally to the most general algebraic semantics. While the Kripke, topological, and algebraic semantics have been extensively studied, the Beth and Dragalin semantics have received less attention. We bring Beth and Dragalin semantics to the fore, relating them to the concept of a nucleus from pointfree topology, which provides a unifying perspective on the semantic hierarchy.
Some Observations on the Draft Conclusions on Identification of Customary Law Provisionally Adopted by the ILC's Drafting Committee at the Sixty-Sixth Session (2014)

This Commission project is a useful one. It rests on exemplary work by the Special Rapporteur. I would hope that brief mention of a few matters that may benefit from further reflection at this stage could be of some assistance as work on this matter continues.
A Spatially Dependent Probabilistic Model for House Hunting in Ant Colonies.

Ant species such as Temnothorax albipennis select a new nest site in a distributed fashion that, if modeled correctly, can serve as useful information for site selection algorithms for robotic swarms and other applications. Studying and replicating the ants' house hunting behavior will also illuminate useful distributed strategies that have evolved in nature. Many of the existing models of househunting behaviour for T. albipennis make the assumption that all candidate nest sites are equally distant from the ants' home nest, or that an ant has an equal probability of finding each candidate nest site. However, realistically this is not the case, as nests that are further away from the home nest and nests that are difficult to access are less likely to be found, even if they are of higher quality. We extend previous house-hunting models to account for a pairwise distance metric between nests, compare our results to those of real colonies, and use our results to examine the effects of house hunting in nests of different spatial orientations. Our incorporation of distances in the ant model appear to match empirical data in situations where a distance-quality tradeoff between nests is relevant. Furthermore, the model continues to be on par with previous house-hunting models in experiments where all candidate nests are equidistant from the home nest, as is typically assumed.
Two centuries of breeding has altered root system architecture of winter wheat

Abstract Crop selection and breeding has influenced plant phenotypes and genotypes. The necessary selection and breeding steps which resulted in today's cultivated plants have greatly reduced plant genetic diversity. Genetic bottlenecks in plant populations are thought to be a direct result of modern breeding programs. This study used a custom root phenotyping platform to characterize root system architecture (RSA) parameters in a diverse panel of winter wheat released between 1803 and 2002. Cultivars were grown in P-deficient phytagel and images captured through 360° using light tomography. RSA parameters were measured using GiA Roots software. Network length, width, surface area, and volume differed between old cultivars and both intermediate and modern cultivars. RSA did not vary between intermediate and modern cultivars. Growth rates of old cultivars were two times greater than both intermediate and modern cultivars regardless of dwarfing status. These results support the idea that plant breeding has had unintended effects on winter wheat root systems. The reduction of root system size and growth rates with increased year of release may have important implications for further breeding work related to nutrient use, drought tolerance, and C-sequestration. The faster root growth of older cultivars may also provide a breeding target for developing plants that establish and respond to stress faster, potentially improving crop resilience.
Atypical femur fractures in a patient with pycnodysostosis: a case report

Pycnodysostosis is a rare autosomal recessive disease due to a mutation in the gene for the enzyme Cathepsin K. It is characterized by short stature, craniofacial dysmorphias, osteosclerosis, and brittle bones. There are only a few reports in the literature describing surgical interventions for long bone fractures in pycnodysostosis patients, most of which describe intramedullary nail treatment of isolated long bone fractures. We describe a case in which a pregnant female with pycnodysostosis presented with a shaft fracture of the left femur following minor trauma and a history of increasing thigh pain. Radiographs obtained in the emergency room also revealed an impending subtrochanteric fracture of the contralateral side. The acute left femoral shaft fracture was treated with an adolescent-sized intramedullary nail; it was decided to defer surgery on the contralateral side until after pregnancy. Three months later, the patient had the contralateral femur prophylactically fixated with a plate and screws. One year after the index surgery, both methods demonstrated satisfactory healing both clinically and radiographically. Although we recommend use of an intramedullary nail for long bone fractures in patients with pycnodysostosis, a plate can be utilized if health conditions or skeletal morphology precludes use of a nail.
Software and Operating System Support

The basic goal of energy reduction from the software standpoint is to maximize the battery lifetime of portable general-purpose microprocessor devices by reducing the energy necessary to complete a given task without significantly changing system behavior. Software energy reduction techniques can be divided into two categories: static, which optimizes software before it is executed, and dynamic, which alters the operation of the device at run-time. Static energy reduction techniques for a microprocessor in a general-purpose system can be divided into two categories: high-level application design and compile-time optimization. Dynamic techniques rely on the software running in a portable electronic device to monitor and adjust the device operation at run-time. For example, a laptop that can turn off its LCD backlight requires a dynamic algorithm to determine when the backlight is not needed. Typically, dynamic techniques also require some modification to the base hardware, i.e. the ability to turn off the LCD display, which might not inherently reduce energy consumption. DVS is a dynamic technique that controls the speed of the CPU.
Robben Island and Prisoner Resistance to Apartheid

1. Introduction: prison as a source of politics 2. Politics and prison: a background 3: Resistance for survival 4. Resistance beyond survival 5. Prisoner politics and organization on Robben Island 6. Debates and disagreements 7. Influencing South African politics 8. Political imprisonment and the state 9. Theorizing islander resistance 10. Beyond Robben Island: comparisons and conclusion.
Laboratory Detection of the Cyanopolyyne HC13N

The cyanopolyyne HC13N has been detected in the laboratory, and the frequency of 21 rotational transitions in the band 5-12 GHz has been measured to a few parts in 107; correspondingly precise values for the rotational constant and centrifugal distortion constant have been obtained from a least-squares fit to the data: B0 = 106.97258(4) MHz, D0 = 0.092(10) Hz (uncertainties in parentheses are 1σ in the last significant digit). The best lines for astronomical detection of this carbon chain, longer than any yet detected in space, probably lie in the band 5-30 GHz and can be calculated from B0 and D0 to better than 0.1 km s-1 in equivalent radial velocity.
BMI and the risk of colorectal adenoma in African Americans

Objectives Obesity is associated with the activation of the molecular pathways that increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Increasing body mass index may accelerate the development of adenomatous polyps, the antecedent lesion of colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the BMI effect on the risk of colonic polyp and adenoma in African-American. Methods The records of 923 patients who underwent colonoscopy were examined. Demographic and clinical data were collected before colonoscopy. Polyp and adenoma diagnosis were confirmed by pathology examinations. Results Overall, 43% of the patients were male, median age was 57 years and 77% had BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2. The frequency of colorectal polyps and adenomas were 61 and 35%, respectively. BMI ≥ 25.0 (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.14-2.26), smoking (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.15-2.26) and history of colon polyps (OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.09-2.47) were associated with higher risk of colon polyp. BMI ≥ 25.0 (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.24-2.62), age (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.02-2.05 for each year), male gender (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.02-1.86), and smoking (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.23-2.42) were associated with higher risk of colon adenoma. Conclusion Male and overweight African-Americans are at higher risk of colorectal adenoma. The findings of this study could be applied for risk stratification and modifying the colorectal cancer prevention including screening guideline in African Americans.
Increased risk of additional cancers among patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A population-based study

Purpose Most gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are considered non-hereditary or sporadic. However, single-institution studies suggest that GIST patients develop additional malignancies with increased frequencies. We hypothesized that we could gain greater insight into possible associations between GIST and other malignancies using a national cancer database inquiry.
Hospital Supply Chain Management by Implementing RFID

Abstract- Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems have been successfully applied and shown its worth in many fields of manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, healthcare and supply chain just to name a few. The use of RFID in healthcare and hospital services has increased significantly over the years due to its credibility and accuracy. RFID technology is acting crucial in item level tracing and tracking systems in hospital scenarios. The aim of the paper is to express and display the role of RFID technology in maintaining the inventory level of medicines and surgical items in hospital warehouses and increase its impact in healthcare. One of the crucial points that should be noted in healthcare is that the medicines and surgical items should be made available at any point of time. The implementation of RFID technology in this area is to ensure patient safety and satisfaction by maintaining a perfect inventory of medicines and surgical items. Keywords- “Enterprise management”, “SCOR model”, “RFID”, healthcare, hospital.
The Decision Path Not Taken.

Real-life decisions often involve multiple intermediate choices among competing, interdependent options. Lorteije et al. (2015) introduce a new paradigm for dissecting the neural strategies underlying such decisions.
The occurrence of nitro-toxins in North American astragalus (Fabaceae)

Leaves from herbarium specimens of 505 species and varieties of North AmericanAstragalus were examined for the presence of organic nitro-toxins. The relative concentration of these nitro compounds was determined for the 263 nitro-containing species and varieties. Chemotaxonomic relationships existed among many species so that the presence, molecular configuration, and concentration of the nitro-toxins in the species examined could be used to predict the occurrence of these toxins in other taxa. Geographic differences were also noted for varieties of one species,A. robbinsii (Oakes) A. Gray.
Age-related changes in the rate of muscle activation and rapid force characteristics

Declines in muscle size and strength are commonly reported as a consequence of aging; however, few studies have investigated the influence of aging on the rate of muscle activation and rapid force characteristics across the lifespan. This study aims to investigate the effects of aging on the rate of muscle activation and rapid force characteristics of the plantar flexors. Plantar flexion peak force (PF), absolute (peak, 50, and 100–200 ms), and relative (10 %, 30 %, and 50 %) rate of force development (RFD), the rapid to maximal force ratio (RFD/PF), and the rate of electromyography rise (RER) were examined during an isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) in young (age = 22 ± 2 years), middle-aged (43 ± 2 years), and old (69 ± 5 years) men. The old men exhibited lower PF (30.7 % and 27.6 % lower, respectively) and absolute (24.4–55.1 %) and relative (16.4–28.9 %) RFD values compared to the young and middle-aged men (P ≤ 0.03). RER values were similar between the young and old men (P ≥ 0.30); however, RER values were greater for the middle-aged men when compared to the young and old men for the soleus (P < 0.01) and the old men for the medial gastrocnemius (P ≤ 0.02). Likewise, RFD/PF ratios were similar between young and old men (P ≥ 0.26); however, these ratios were greater for the middle-aged men at early (P ≤ 0.03), but not later (P ≥ 0.10), time intervals. The lower PF and absolute and relative RFD values for the old men may contribute to the increased functional limitations often observed in older adults. Interestingly, higher rates of muscle activation and greater early RFD/PF ratios in middle-aged men may be a reflection of physiological alterations in the neuromuscular system occurring in the fifth decade.
RADIAL VELOCITIES AND LINE CORES OF HALO GIANTS: M13 (NGC 6205)

Archived data for 23 M13 giants, from the extensive series of Lick Hamilton Echelle studies of globular giants by Kraft, Sneden, Langer, et al., are analyzed for radial velocities and strong line core displacements. Of several giants in this program which were observed more than once, only III-73 was found to have significant radial velocity variations. However, when the Lick velocities are combined with the extensive set of velocities determined a decade earlier by Lupton et al. (1987), the stars L598, IV-25, III-56, II-90, III-73, and I-48 show differences > 4.0 km/sec which may reflect long-term variability or binary reflex motions. Displaced cores are found with increasing frequency as stars approach the tip of the giant branch. This suggests that mass outflow increases with increasing luminosity along the giant branch. Time variations are seen in core displacements of IV-25 and III-56.
Current status of the environmental and human safety aspects of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA)

(1973). Current status of the environmental and human safety aspects of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) C R C Critical Reviews in Environmental Control: Vol. 3, No. 1-4, pp. 375-404.
The Impact of the 1982 Peso Devaluations on Crime in Texas Border Cities

The functional integrity of the U.S.-Mexico border region is jeopardized whenever the policies of either nation disrupt important transborder linkages. A case in point is the economic distress experienced in U.S. border cities following a series of drastic monetary changes initiated by the Mexican government in 1982. The peso devaluations, coupled with foreign exchange and trade controls, precipitated sharp drops in Mexican commercial demand, which in turn led to widespread business failures, spiraling unemployment, and expanding welfare rolls in border communities highly dependent on Mexican trade. While the well-documented economic shocks caused by the 1982 devaluations varied in magnitude by locale (Baerresen 1982, Diehl 1983, Hansen 1983, Shellhammer 1984, Ellard 1985, Harrell and Fischer 1985), their broader social impacts across border cities have not yet been examined. The effect of the devaluations on crime patterns is an especially relevant issue from both public-policy and social-scientific standpoints. The present study addresses the influence of economic disruption on crime within the four major Texas cities adjacent to the Mexican border -- Brownsville, McAllen, Laredo, and El Paso.
An unexpected affected female patient in a classical Lesch-Nyhan family.

Abstract Lesch–Nyhan disease is a genetic disorder of purine metabolism caused by defective activity of the enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HPRT), resulting from mutation in the corresponding gene on the long arm of the X chromosome (Xq26). The classical phenotype, which includes spasticity, involuntary movements, developmental disability, and self-injurious behavior, occurs exclusively in males, while heterozygous, carrier females are clinically normal. We analyzed an Argentine family in which there were male and female siblings with clinically identical classic features of Lesch–Nyhan disease. The mother and an older daughter were carriers and had normal phenotypes. We identified the HPRT mutation in the family. It is a C → T transition at position 508 of the cDNA (c.508 C → T) that changes the CGA codon for Arg(169) to the TGA stop codon (R169X). The female patient was karyotypically normal and heterozygous for the mutation. She inherited the HPRT mutation from her mother, but she also had unexpected nonrandom inactivation of the paternal X chromosome carrying the normal HPRT gene. This additional genetic alteration is the cause of the clinical expression of disease in this female patient.