cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Faster optimal planning with partial-order pruning

When planning problems have many kinds of resources or high concurrency, each optimal state has exponentially many minor variants, some of which are "better" than others. Standard methods like A* cannot effectively exploit these minor relative differences, and therefore must explore many redundant, clearly suboptimal plans. We describe a new optimal search algorithm for planning that leverages a partial order relation between states. Under suitable conditions, states that are dominated by other states with respect to this order can be pruned while provably maintaining optimality. We also describe a simple method for automatically discovering compatible partial orders in both serial and concurrent domains. In our experiments we find that more than 98% of search states can be pruned in some domains.
Effectiveness of a purified human hemoglobin as a blood substitute in the perfused rat liver

Abstract The efficacy of purified cross-linked human hemoglobin solution in maintaining the metabolic integrity of perfused livers from fed rats was determined and compared with that of livers recirculated with red blood cells, perfluorocarbon, and Krebs' Ringer bicarbonate buffer media at normal and accelerated flow rates. The data indicate that oxygen utilization was comparable in livers perfused with red blood cell medium (53.5 ± 4.0 μL · g liver −1 · min −1 ), hemoglobin (45.7 ± 1.9), and perfluorocarbon (57.2 ± 6.1) and less in livers perfused with Krebs' Ringer bicarbonate buffer solution at normal (17.4 ± 1.4) and high (27.7 ± 1.4) flow rates. Bile flow, the outflow of glucose and lactic acid, and residual glycogen levels were similar when livers were perfused with red blood cells (hematocrit, 19) and hemoglobin solutions containing 7 g hemoglobin/dL at flow rates of 1.1–1.2 mL · g liver −1 · min −1 . However, livers perfused with perfluorocarbon at 1.1 mL · g −1 · min −1 showed a significantly greater ( P −1 · min −1 ) and accelerated flow rates (3.0 mL · g −1 · min −1 ) also showed a progressive decrease in bile flow and marked glycogenolysis as well as depletion of adenosine triphosphate content. In addition, morphological studies (light and electron microscopy) showed more vacuoles, membrane alterations, and increased mitochondrial swelling in livers perfused with Krebs' Ringer bicarbonate buffer and perfluorocarbon. These findings suggest that hepatocyte function in livers from fed rats is maintained equally well with hemoglobin solutions and with red blood cell medium, suggesting that crosslinked hemoglobin solution may serve as an effective blood substitute for maintaining adequate oxygenation and metabolic integrity of the isolated perfused rat liver.
Role of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Integrase in Uncoating of the Viral Core

After membrane fusion with a target cell, the core of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) enters into the cytoplasm, where uncoating occurs. The cone-shaped core is composed of the viral capsid protein (CA), which disassembles during uncoating. The underlying factors and mechanisms governing uncoating are poorly understood. Several CA mutations can cause changes in core stability and a block at reverse transcription, demonstrating the requirement for optimal core stability during viral replication. HIV-1 integrase (IN) catalyzes the insertion of the viral cDNA into the host genome, and certain IN mutations are pleiotropic. Similar to some CA mutants, two IN mutants, one with a complete deletion of IN (NL-ΔIN) and the other with a Cys-to-Ser substitution (NL-C130S), were noninfectious, with a replication block at reverse transcription. Compared to the wild type (WT), the cytoplasmic CA levels of the IN mutants in infected cells were reduced, suggesting accelerated uncoating. The role of IN during uncoating was examined by isolating and characterizing cores from NL-ΔIN and NL-C130S. Both IN mutants could form functional cores, but the core yield and stability were decreased. Also, virion incorporation of cyclophilin A (CypA), a cellular peptidyl-prolyl isomerase that binds specifically to CA, was decreased in the IN mutants. Cores isolated from WT virus depleted of CypA had an unstable-core phenotype, confirming a role of CypA in promoting optimal core stability. Taken together, our results indicate that IN is required during uncoating for maintaining CypA-CA interaction, which promotes optimal stability of the viral core.
GaAs power MESFET performance sensitivity to profile and process parameter variations

Large signal performance sensitivities are calculated and compared for power GaAs MESFETs fabricated with uniform, ion-implanted, and lo-hi-lo doping profiles. Variations in radio-frequency (RF) power, power-added efficiency, gain, and device linearity are determined for the various devices as a function of process-dependent parameters. It is demonstrated that the channel doping profile design and breakdown voltage have the most significant influence on large-signal RF performance. >
Recognition memory for social and non-social odors: Differential effects of neurotoxic lesions to the hippocampus and perirhinal cortex

The contributions of the hippocampus (HC) and perirhinal cortex (PER) to recognition memory are currently topics of debate in neuroscience. Here we used a rapidly-learned (seconds) spontaneous novel odor recognition paradigm to assess the effects of pre-training N-methyl-D-aspartate lesions to the HC or PER on odor recognition memory. We tested memory for both social and non-social odor stimuli. Social odors were acquired from conspecifics, while non-social odors were household spices. Conspecific odor stimuli are ethologically-relevant and have a high degree of overlapping features compared to non-social household spices. Various retention intervals (5 min, 20 min, 1h, 24h, or 48 h) were used between study and test phases, each with a unique odor pair, to assess changes in novelty preference over time. Consistent with findings in other paradigms, modalities, and species, we found that HC lesions yielded no significant recognition memory deficits. In contrast, PER lesions caused significant deficits for social odor recognition memory at long retention intervals, demonstrating a critical role for PER in long-term memory for social odors. PER lesions had no effect on memory for non-social odors. The results are consistent with a general role for PER in long-term recognition memory for stimuli that have a high degree of overlapping features, which must be distinguished by conjunctive representations.
Increased Accumulation of Intraneuronal Amyloid β in HIV-Infected Patients

In recent years, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients under highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) regimens have shown a markedly improved general clinical status; however, the prevalence of mild cognitive disorders has increased. We propose that increased longevity with HIV-mediated chronic inflammation combined with the secondary effects of HAART may increase the risk of early brain aging as shown by intraneuronal accumulation of abnormal protein aggregates like amyloid beta (Abeta), which might participate in worsening the neurodegenerative process and cognitive impairment in older patients with HIV. For this purpose, levels and distribution of Abeta immunoreactivity were analyzed in the frontal cortex of 43 patients with HIV (ages 38-60) and HIV- age-matched controls. Subcellular localization of the Abeta-immunoreactive material was analyzed by double labeling and confocal microscopy and by immunono-electron microscopy (EM). Compared to HIV- cases, in HIV+ cases, there was abundant intracellular Abeta immunostaining in pyramidal neurons and along axonal tracts. Cases with HIV encephalitis (HIVE) had higher levels of intraneuronal Abeta immunoreactivity compared to HIV+ cases with no HIVE. Moreover, levels of intracellular Abeta correlated with age in the group with HIVE. Double-labeling analysis showed that the Abeta-immunoreactive granules in the neurons co-localized with lysosomal markers such as cathepsin-D and LC3. Ultrastructural analysis by immuno-EM has confirmed that in these cases, intracellular Abeta was often found in structures displaying morphology similar to autophagosomes. These findings suggest that long-term survival with HIV might interfere with clearance of proteins such as Abeta and worsen neuronal damage and cognitive impairment in this population.
Adoption as a natural experiment.

Adoption provides a unique opportunity for the study of child development. Because adopted children are raised in families in which they have no genetic relationship with their parents, and possibly none with their siblings, they provide a rare opportunity to study the relative importance of genetic, shared environmental, and nonshared environmental influences on the development of child characteristics and behaviors. Because children are adopted from a variety of circumstances and at a wide range of ages, studies of adopted children and their families provide researchers the opportunity to examine the short- and long-term influences of a wide range of environments on children's development. Because children are adopted into homes with a range of characteristics (e.g., multiracial homes), adoption provides the opportunity to study the range of influences of these homes on child development. Adoption research that focuses on each of these areas is reviewed in this article. We present conclusions about the value of adoption in psychological research and some reasons why many psychologists ignore the opportunities presented by studying adoptive families, as well as potential useful directions for future research with adopted children and their families.
Phase I Trial of Nanoparticle Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel in Combination with Gemcitabine in Patients with Thoracic Malignancies

Background Nab-paclitaxel has a different toxicity profile than solvent-based paclitaxel including a lower rate of severe neutropenia. This trial was designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose and dose limiting toxicities (DLT) of nab-paclitaxel in combination with gemcitabine. Methods Patients were required to have a performance status of 0 to 1, ≤three prior cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens, and preserved renal, hepatic, and bone marrow function. Patients received gemcitabine 1000 mg/m 2 on days 1, 8 in all cohorts, and nab-paclitaxel at doses of 260, 300, 340 mg/m 2 every 21 days depending on the treatment cohort (1 cycle=21 days). DLT were assessed after the first cycle, and doses were escalated in cohorts of 3 to 6 patients. Results Eighteen patients were consented and 15 patients are evaluable [median age 62 years (range, 35–75); median number of prior treatments 3 (range, 1–4); tumor types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) ( n = 8), small cell lung cancer (SCLC) ( n = 6), and esophageal cancer ( n = 1)]. At a nab-paclitaxel dose of 300 mg/m 2 , 1 of 6 pts experienced a DLT (omission of day 8 gemcitabine due to absolute neutrophil count 2 2 of 3 patients experienced a DLT (1 pt grade 3 rash and pruritus; 1 pt grade 3 fatigue and anorexia). Responses were observed in NSCLC and SCLC. Conclusions The maximum tolerated dose of nab-paclitaxel is 300 mg/m 2 in combination with gemcitabine 1000 mg/m 2 on days 1, 8 every 21 days. This combination demonstrated activity in previously treated NSCLC and SCLC patients.
Evidence for Variable Digoxin Absorption as Estimated by Pharmacological Response Intensities

A dose-effect curve constructed from ventricular rate slowing and oral maintenance doses for digoxin provided evidence for assuming that occupation theory correctly describes drug-receptor site interaction. From the tenets of occupation theory, response intensities were linearly related to biophasic drug levels and provided the input for bi- and triexponential least-squares fits for an intravenously administered 1.2-mg dose of digoxin to patients hospitalized with auricular fibrillation. A biexponential fit best described biophasic drug levels when the biophase was represented by a peripheral compartment. Intravenous biexponential equation parameters were utilized to perform an absorption analysis following oral dosing of 1.2 mg of digoxin to the same patients. From calculations of fractional amounts unabsorbed with time, significant absorption of digoxin was found to be occurring through 24 hr at progressively decreasing but noticeably variable rates; absorption was calculated to be 98.7% complete by 120 hr. Absorption rates were most rapid over the first 5 hr but quite variable thereafter. Oscillations in the intravenous and oral response-time curves, observed between 3 and 12 hr following dosing, likewise produced fluctuations in mathematically derived biophasic drug levels, fractional amounts unabsorbed, and absorption rates for the oral dose, suggesting enterohepatic cycling of digoxin to be more significant than previously thought.
Biodegradation of glycerol trinitrate by activated sludge: Cosubstrate requirements, inhibition, and kinetics

Abstract Nitroglycerin or glycerol trinitrate (GTN) is an energetic and toxic substance with a wide range of military and pharmaceutical applications. Studies conducted with activated sludge showed that GTN is amenable to aerobic degradation only in the presence of a primary carbon source, such as glucose. Kinetic experiments indicated that GTN is an inhibitory substrate whose presence during biodegradation, reduces substantially the microbial yield and the apparent maximum specific growth rate coefficient of primary substrates. However, in the range of concentrations tested (50 to 200 mg/L of GTN) its inhibitory effects are reversible. The biodegradation mechanism proceeds via a set of successive denitration reactions to form isomers of glycerol dinitrate (1,2‐GDN and 1,3‐GDN) and glycerol mononitrate (1‐GMN and 2‐GMN), which are subsequently degraded. Significant regioselectivity was observed during denitration of GTN and 1,2‐GDN favoring production of 1,3‐GDN and 1‐GMN. The rates of degradation of the ...
Using Design Thinking to Empower Ethnic Minority Immigrant Youth in their Roles as Information and Technology Mediaries

In the United States, almost one in nine people are foreign born (2010 U.S. Census). While diversity brings incredible richness, it also belies responsibility for helping immigrants participate fully in American life and culture versus isolating themselves within ethnic communities. Our past work funded by the U. S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation shows two-thirds of people use library computers to search for information on behalf of someone else (US Impact Study, 2011). These Information Mediaries (Infomediaries) tend to be young, non-white, non-native English speakers, suggesting ethnic minority youth are key for understanding the information needs of their respective populations, passing on needed information to otherwise hidden users (especially non-English speaking, non-library users). Our current research is over two phases supported by Microsoft and the Institute of Museum and Library Services we are employing design thinking (Brown, 2008, HBR, 2008), to study how ethnic minority youth serve as technology and information mediaries within their social networks. Our approach brings in perspectives from computer science, information science, design, information behavior, and uses research methods such as participatory design, action research, social networking analysis, rapid prototyping, and engineering. Our method integrates these perspectives and methods into a multi-day workshop format called “teen design days.”
Two Dimensional NMR Investigation of the Structural Properties of DNAS

We describe the use of 2D NOE and truncated driven NOE (TNOE) spectroscopy to investigate structural features of three alternating homopolymer systems; poly(dA-dT), poly(dG-dC) (B- and Z-forms), and poly(dI-dC). Poly(dA-dT) and poly(dI-dC) have Watson-Crick base pairing, not Hoogsteen pairing as recently proposed for fibers. The B-form of poly(dG-dC), poly(dA-dT) and poly(dI-dC) exhibit qualitative structural features expected for B-family DNA. Specifically, all have anti-glycosidic torsional angles. This is contrasted with results from Z-form poly(dG-dC) which exhibits a syn-torsional angle as well as other differences in the 2D NOE spectrum. 2D NOE measurements on the decamer d(ATATCGATAT)2 in H2O were used to delineate the various spin lattice relaxation pathways (dipolar, exchange) of the imino protons in this molecule.
The Story of Limited Liability Company: Combining the Best Features of a Flawed Business Tax Structure

This chapter from Business Tax Stories (Steven A. Bank and Kirk J. Stark eds, 2005) describes the emergence of the limited liability company from obscurity into a mainstream business organization choice during the last quarter of the 20th century. In addition to providing the inside story of the lobbying efforts of the first LLC pioneers and the LLC supporters during the early 1990s, this story places the rise of the LLC in its larger historical context and discusses the major tax and business policy issues raised by this new business entity.
Data-driven design pattern production: a case study on the ASSISTments online learning system

Recently, online learning systems such as cognitive tutors, online courses, and massive open online courses (MOOCS) increased in popularity in various domains. The design quality of online learning systems is difficult to maintain. Multiple stakeholders are involved (e.g., software developers, interaction designers, learning scientists, teachers), the system is complex, there are rapid changes in software, platforms (e.g., mobile, tablet, desktop) and learning subject content, and so forth. Many existing online learning systems collect a significant amount of data that describe students' learning gains and affective states, which are indirect measures of system quality. Analysis of online learning system data can uncover linkages between particular design choices made and student learning. In this paper, we describe the data-driven design pattern production (3D2P) methodology to prospect, mine, write, and evaluate design patterns for online learning systems from collected data. Design patterns are high quality solutions for recurring problems in a particular context. Patterns identified with 3D2P can guide the addition of new content and the modification of system designs to maintain the quality of online learning systems. A case study on the ASSISTments math online learning system is presented to demonstrate the 3D2P methodology and discuss its benefits and limitations.
Cellular Covers of Mixed Abelian Groups

In this paper, we answer a question of R. Gobel and L. Fuchs by showing that there exits large classes of non-splitting mixed groups which have no non-trivial cellular covers.
Inducing Lexical Style Properties for Paraphrase and Genre Differentiation

We present an intuitive and effective method for inducing style scores on words and phrases. We exploit signal in a phrase’s rate of occurrence across stylistically contrasting corpora, making our method simple to implement and efficient to scale. We show strong results both intrinsically, by correlation with human judgements, and extrinsically, in applications to genre analysis and paraphrasing.
Computer-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation for Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review

Purpose The purpose of this review is to evaluate the efficacy of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation (CCR) for improving cognitive and cognitive-communication skills in individuals with trauma...
Thaxter's Myrioblepharis

In a recent note Miller (1963) described a mycophagous ciliate that feeds on the discharged but uncleaved protoplasm of the zoosporangia of the aquatic phycomycete, Pythium carolinianum Matthews. The ciliate attaches by its mouth to the discharge papilla of a sporangium. It is normal for a Pythium zoosporangium to discharge a protoplast that cleaves into zoospores just outside the sporangium; however, in this fungus-ciliate association, the uncleaved protoplasm usually is discharged into the mouth and gut of the attached ciliate. Differentiated zoospores are not ingested by the ciliate. Miller observed that almost all of the zoosporangia in his culture had ciliates attached to them sometime before their discharge. After the publication of Miller's note, Donald H. Marx, plant pathologist of the U.S.D.A. Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Box 2086, Durham, N. C., wrote to Miller (personal communication) and later to me about his own observations of a similar phenomenon with the zoospores of Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands. Marx writes that the protozoan, which is quite common to their nonsterile soil leachates, will in some cases ingest all zoospores of a culture. Marx also writes that this phenomenon was first demonstrated to him by Dr. B. Zak and W. C. Bryan at the Southeastern Forest Experiment Station, Athens, Georgia. Zak and Bryan observed this during the late 1940's and early 1950's while doing research on P. cinnamomi and littleleaf disease of shortleaf pine. That the ciliate studied by Miller ingests uncleaved sporangial protoplasm whereas Marx's ingests zoospores is a difference that is understandable, at least, because in both cases the ciliate is ingesting the protoplasm that is immediately discharged from zoosporangia. In Phytophthora cinnamomi cleavage into zoospores occurs within the zoosporangium; whereas, in Phythium carolinianum zoospores are cleaved outside the zoosporangium within a vesicle.
A Study of Gamma-Ray Exposure of Cu–SiO $_2$ Programmable Metallization Cells

The Cu-SiO 2 based programmable metallization cell (PMC) is a promising alternative to the Ag-chalcogenide glass PMC because of its low power consumption and CMOS-compatibility. Understanding its total ionizing dose (TID) response helps in assessing the reliability of this technology in ionizing radiation environments and benefits its expansion in the space electronics market. In this paper, the impacts of TID on the switching characteristics of Cu-SiO 2 PMC are investigated for the first time. The devices were step irradiated with 60 Co gamma-rays to a maximum dose of 7.1 Mrad ( SiO 2 ). The results show that gamma-ray irradiation has a negligible impact on the virgin-state and on-state resistance of Cu-SiO 2 PMCs. The off-state resistance slightly decreases after the first 1.5 Mrad( SiO 2 ) of exposure, but this reduction saturates after higher levels of TID. Other switching characteristics such as the set voltage, multilevel switching capability and endurance were also studied, all of which did not show observable changes after gamma-ray radiation. The immunity to ionizing radiation is attributed to the suppression of the photo-doping process.
Toward a better understanding of task demands, workload, and performance during physician-computer interactions

Objective To assess the relationship between (1) task demands and workload, (2) task demands and performance, and (3) workload and performance, all during physician-computer interactions in a simulated environment. Methods Two experiments were performed in 2 different electronic medical record (EMR) environments: WebCIS ( n = 12) and Epic ( n = 17). Each participant was instructed to complete a set of prespecified tasks on 3 routine clinical EMR-based scenarios: urinary tract infection (UTI), pneumonia (PN), and heart failure (HF). Task demands were quantified using behavioral responses (click and time analysis). At the end of each scenario, subjective workload was measured using the NASA-Task-Load Index (NASA-TLX). Physiological workload was measured using pupillary dilation and electroencephalography (EEG) data collected throughout the scenarios. Performance was quantified based on the maximum severity of omission errors. Results Data analysis indicated that the PN and HF scenarios were significantly more demanding than the UTI scenario for participants using WebCIS ( P < .01), and that the PN scenario was significantly more demanding than the UTI and HF scenarios for participants using Epic ( P < .01). In both experiments, the regression analysis indicated a significant relationship only between task demands and performance ( P < .01). Discussion Results suggest that task demands as experienced by participants are related to participants' performance. Future work may support the notion that task demands could be used as a quality metric that is likely representative of performance, and perhaps patient outcomes. Conclusion The present study is a reasonable next step in a systematic assessment of how task demands and workload are related to performance in EMR-evolving environments.
New insight into the influence of molecular dynamics of matrix elastomers on ballistic impact deformation in UHMWPE composites

Abstract The use of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy as a technique for probing and interpretation of the molecular dynamics in select ultrahigh molecular weight poly(ethylene) (UHMWPE) fibers based prepreg materials is investigated. In particular, ssNMR is used to differentiate the influence of molecular dynamics associated with matrix elastomers. Polyurethane and Kraton® based elastomers are used in commercial UHMWPE prepregs. The 1H wideline spectra clearly revealed greater mobility associated with the molecular dynamics of Kraton® elastomers than that of polyurethane; this is consistent when comparing prepregs from different manufacturers. These observations corroborate well with the extent of back face deformation in UHMWPE composites when engaged by projectiles, where polyurethane matrix elastomers exhibit greater resistance. Select bulk elastomers were also considered to highlight the dynamic stiffening characteristics associated with matrix elastomers, where results further substantiate the importance of the molecular attributes on the overall dynamic deformation response in these composites.
Correlation analysis about CA125 and CEA with ovarian cancer

Objective To analyse the clinical value of the serum CA125 and carcino embryonic antigen(CEA) combined detection in the patients with ovarian cancer through the detection of 2 kinds of tumor marker concentrations: serum carbohydrate antigen CA125 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Methods The levels of CA125 and CEA in 23 patients with ovarian cancer, in 37 patients with benign ovarian tumor and in 50 healthy controls were measured by fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay. Statistical analyses were performed with t test. Results The serum levels and positive rates of CA125 and CEA in patients with ovarian cancer were (278.43±182.27) U/mL and 73.92%, (8.49±8.37) ng/mL and 17.4% respectively, but those in patients with benign ovarian tumor were(23.75±13.59) U/mL and 18.92%, (3.43±1.48) ng/mL and 0.0% respectively, and those with healthy controls were (12.46±7.65) U/mL and 0.0%, (2.21±1.03) ng/mL and 0.0% respectively.The serum levels and positive rates of CA125 and CEA in patients with ovarian cancer were significantly higher than those with benign ovarian tumor and those with healthy controls patients, And the differences were statistically significant (P 0.05). Conclusion The correlation about serum CA125 with ovarian cancer is ideal, while that with CEA and ovarian cancer is not ideal; so serum CA125 is a more reliable, the ideal tumor marker for screening ovarian cancer, and it has good diagnostic value. CEA has a certain reference value in ovarian cancer , but the positive rate is lower. So CA125 and CEA combined detection in diagnosis of ovarian cancer without significant clinical value.
Research on Signals Quantity Technology of Tank Floor Defects in Magnetic Flux Leakage Testing

Tanks are important equipments in petrochemical industry.One of the important reasons which cause the tank to be hazards is tank floor corrosion defects.Magnetic flux leakage testing method is a major direction of tank floor inspection.In this paper,a method is proposed based on wavelet de-noising and empirical mode decomposition(EMD) based on the features of magnetic flux leakage signals.The processing results of measured magnetic flux leakage signals show that good de-noising results can be achieved with this method and the signal noise ratio can be improved.BP neural network model is applied to the quantity analysis of tank floor corrosion defects.A finite element analysis model is established as the training samples.Using the signals of the corrosion defects as the testing samples of the BP neural network.The results in network training and testing reach the quantitative accuracy requirements of tank floor corrosion defects.
Perianesthetic Considerations for the Elderly Patient

The perianesthetic management of the elderly patient depends on a clear understanding of the physiologic and anatomic changes that occur with aging. Questions that arise when one considers these changes include the following: (1) How are pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anesthetic medications different in elderly patients, (2) What organ systems changes in the elderly patient alter anesthetic management, (3) What is the perianesthetic risk for elderly patients, (4) What anesthetic prescription best meets the needs of the elderly patient, and (5) What special postanesthetic needs do elderly patients have?
The Prolegomena to Any Future Epistemology

In 1628, Rene Descartes received an invitation to a meeting at the home of Cardinal Bagni, papal nuncio. Descartes brought with him Father Mersenne, a Minim friar, and M. de Ville-Bressieu, a physician of Grenoble. This was no ordinary meeting. It consisted of well-known honnets gens of Paris. They had met to hear a famous doctor-chemist by the name of Chandoux. Chandoux was an expert on base metals who three years later was to be executed for peddling fake currency. Chandoux, charming and fluent, was denouncing the verbiage of scholastic philosophy as it was usually taught in the Schools. There was little new in what he said, for it was mostly in the vein of Francis Bacon, Pierre Gassendi, and Thomas Hobbes. Yet he wanted his system of philosophy to appear fresh and novel. Whatever Chandoux said, everyone applauded. That is, everyone save Descartes. The founder of the oratory, and perhaps the most powerful religious thinker of the Counter-Reformation, Cardinal Berulle, observed this. He asked Descartes what he thought of Chandoux's speech that had so thrilled the audience. Descartes demurred, saying “that he could not speak in opposition to the feeling of the savants present.” But the Cardinal did not relent. At last, Descartes spoke. He began by praising Chandoux's denunciation of scholastic philosophy. But then he argued against the speaker and “that great and learned company” for taking probability as the central notion and not the notion of truth .
The linear elastic solid approximation. Basic equations and boundary value problems in the linear theory of elasticity

The mathematical theory of elasticity based on the idealization presented in this chapter is a remarkable classical branch of the mechanics of continua, which has advanced far in the more than 200 years it has been studied. In this chapter a concise presentation of the fundamentals of this theory will be given, bearing in mind readers who have not met it before, and it will also serve as a preparation for the next chapter, where we discuss the mathematical modeling of fracture phenomena, which nowadays is the principal area of attention. The fundamental idealization A crucially important property of a deformable solid continuum is that it is possible for it to possess non-trivial stress distributions even when the body is at rest, i.e. when the velocity is everywhere equal to zero. The theory of elasticity as a science is older than fluid mechanics. Its basic law, which was developed to a fundamental model, was formulated by Robert Hooke more than 300 years ago, in the article Hooke (1678). Readers already know the formulation of Hooke's law for an elastic rod. A rod is an elastic body whose length l is substantially larger than its cross-sectional size s and which has a constant cross-section area S (see Figure 5.1, taken from the book of Galileo Galilei (1638)). Let us take the longitudinal direction of the rod as the x 1 axis of a system of orthonormal Cartesian coordinates.
Constraints on scattering amplitudes in multistate Landau-Zener theory

We derive a set of constraints, which we will call hierarchy constraints, on scattering amplitudes of an arbitrary multistate Landau-Zener model (MLZM). The presence of additional symmetries can transform such constraints into nontrivial relations between elements of the transition probability matrix. This observation can be used to derive complete solutions of some MLZMs or, for models that cannot be solved completely, to reduce the number of independent elements of the transition probability matrix.
Time domain dielectric spectroscopy as a tool to study phase nucleation processes

Conventional (frequency domain) dielectric spectroscopy (FDDS) is very useful for studying molecular interactions in systems which are in equilibrium. However, it is not usually convenient, or in some cases feasible, to investigate transient processes by FDDS. A major advantage of time domain dielectric spectroscopy (TDDS) is that many types of transient phenomena can be studied. As a point in question, the use of TDDS for the investigation of the kinetic processes associated with the nucleation and growth of a second phase in an initial phase will be discussed. The use of the technique for the study of phase separation in polymer blends will also be discussed and preliminary results for a model system, phenol-water, will be presented.
Controlled synthesis of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides: from vertical to planar MoS2

Among post-graphene two dimensional (2D) materials, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs, such as MoS2) have attracted significant attention due to their superior properties for potential electronic, optoelectronic and energy applications. Scalable and controllable powder vapor transport (PVT) methods have been developed to synthesize 2D MoS2 with controllable morphologies (i.e. horizontal and vertical), yet the growth mechanism for the transition from horizontal to vertical orientation is not clearly understood. Here, we combined experimental and numerical modeling studies to investigate the key growth parameters that govern the morphology of 2D materials. The transition from vertical to horizontal growth is achieved by controlling the magnitude and distribution of the precursor concentration by placing the substrate at different orientations and locations relative to the source. We have also shown that the density of as-grown nanostructures can be controlled by the local precursor-containing gas flow rate. This study demonstrates the possibility for engineering the morphology of 2D materials by controlling the concentration of precursors and flow profiles, and provides a new path for controllable growth of 2D TMDs for various applications.
Non-invasive liver cancer ablation using histotripsy in an in vivo murine hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model

Current liver cancer ablation methods are mainly thermal-based and inherently exhibit inconsistent tissue ablation due to irregular heat dissipation. Histotripsy is a non-thermal ultrasound (US) ablation method that fractionates tissue through the precise control of acoustic cavitation. This paper studies the feasibility and chronic effects of non-invasive histotripsy for liver cancer ablation in an in vivo murine HCC model.
The right space: 150 years of housing a national gallery's library and archive collection

The National Gallery of Ireland is the country's premier art institution. It houses the nation's collection of fine art in addition to a collection of library and archive material relating to the visual arts. The library and archive collections play an invaluable role supporting the work of the gallery and are regularly consulted by external researchers. Surprisingly, for more than a century there was no dedicated library space allocated to this collection. This article explores the development of the collection and the space it has occupied within the Gallery over the last 150 years, chronicling the challenges the gallery has faced housing this growing collection. This article outlines the situation today and concludes with an outline of the gallery's future plans for the library and archive in its efforts to create a space that will be a fitting home for this remarkable collection.
Preserving Native American petroglyphs on porous sandstone

A new method of chemical treatment is proposed to improve the durability of soft, porous sandstones onto which Native American petroglyphs have been carved Cores of Dakota Sandstone from the Faris Cave site, located along the Smoky Hiil River in Ellsworth County, Kansas, were treated with ethyl silicate dissolved in a lightweight ketone carrier, and some cores were subsequently treated with a combination of ethyl silicate and silane using the same solvent. Measurement of the resulting physical properties, when compared to untreated cores, indicate the treatments substantially increased the compressive strength and freeze-thaw resistance of the stone without discoloring the stone or completely sealing the pore system. The treatment increases the durability of the stone and provides a method for preserving the petroglyphs at the site. After treating test panels at the site, the petroglyphs were treated in like manner.
Development of a Hydraulic Fracturing Simulator for Single-Well Fracturing Design in Unconventional Reservoirs

Abstract We developed a general three-dimensional hydraulic fracturing model that accounts for fluid flow and heat transfer in the wellbore and the fracture, and the geomechanics of fracturing including fracture initiation, growth and propagation, and the stress shadow effect. We first describe the simulator formulation in detail, including the formulation of fluid and heat flow, fracture growth and extension, and geomechanics, followed by details of the numerical solution of the aforementioned formulation. We then describe simulations for model verification and application examples. The first two, a radial fracture propagation and a PKN-like fracture propagation, were compared to analytical solutions, and the last one was a simulation of field-type data that illustrated some of the simulator capabilities, including the stress shadow effect.
A Method to Link Advances in Artificial Intelligence to Occupational Abilities

Prior episodes of automation have led to economic growth and also to many changes in the workplace. We expect the same from artificial intelligence (AI). The link between AI and labor is complex, however. To assist researchers and policymakers, we provide a method that links advances in AI to occupational abilities, and then aggregates from these abilities to the occupation level. We demonstrate the method by estimating which occupational descriptions have changed the most due to advances in AI between 2010 and 2015, and check our estimates using the Bureau of Labor Statistics scheduled update to occupational descriptions in 2016.
Selected Applications of NEXAFS

Here we discuss selected examples of how NEXAFS has been used to obtain information on the electronic and crystallographic structure of molecular adsorption systems. Our examples cover a wide range of molecular adsorption energies, from weak van-der-Waals like interactions to strong chemical bonds, and address a diversity of molecules, ranging from diatomics to larger rings and chains.
The Implications of Vitamin D Status During Pregnancy on Mother and her Developing Child

Pregnancy is a time of tremendous growth and physiological changes for mother and her developing fetus with lifelong implications for the child. The concert of actions that must occur so mother does not reject the foreign tissue of the fetus is substantial. There must be exquisite balance between maternal tolerance to these foreign proteins of paternal origin but also immune surveillance and function such that the mother is not immunocompromised. When this process goes awry, the mother may experience such pregnancy complications as preeclampsia and infections. Vitamin D deficiency affects these processes. Controversy continues with regard to the optimal daily intake of vitamin D, when sunlight exposure should be taken into account, and how to define sufficiency during such vulnerable and critical periods of development. The importance of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy in preventing some of the health risks to the mother and fetus appears linked to achieving 25(OH)D concentrations >40 ng/mL, the beginning point of the plateau where conversion of the vitamin D metabolite 25(OH)D, the pre-hormone, to 1,25(OH)2D, the active hormone, is optimized. Throughout pregnancy, the delivery of adequate vitamin D substrate-through sunlight or supplement-is required to protect both mother and fetus, and when in sufficient supply, favorably impacts the epigenome of the fetus, and in turn, long term health. There is a growing need for future research endeavors to focus not only on critical period(s) from pre-conception through pregnancy, but throughout life to prevent certain epigenetic changes that adversely affect health. There is urgency based on emerging research to correct deficiency and maintain optimal vitamin D status. The impact of vitamin D and its metabolites on genetic signaling during pregnancy in both mother and fetus is an area of great activity and still in its early stages. While vitamin D repletion during pregnancy minimizes the risk of certain adverse outcomes (e.g., preterm birth, asthma, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes), the mechanisms of how these processes occur are not fully understood. As we intensify our research efforts in these areas. it is only a matter of time that such mechanisms will be defined.
AT1a influences GABAA-mediated inhibition through regulation of KCC2 expression.

The median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) is an integrative site involved in body fluid homeostasis, cardiovascular control, thermoregulation, and sleep homeostasis. Angiotensin II (ANG II), a neuropeptid...
A model of the molecular structure of toxin III from Anemonia sulcata.

Abstract A Chou and Fasman analysis of the Toxin III from Anemonia sulcata reveals that this short polypeptide (27 residues) probably is mostly made up of a nearly continuous β-turn structure (7 β-turns). This structure allows only one possible solution of disulfide bond formation (3–23, 4–17, 6–11). The resulting rigid structure has very few degrees of freedom. Molecular models indicate that one side of the molecule bearing tyr(7), trp(8), pro(25), glu(20) and lys(20) is very similar in its three-dimensional structure to that part of the molecule of variant III toxin from Centruroides sculpturatus as revealed by x-ray crystallography, bearing tyr(4), trp(47), gly(3), glu(2) and lys(1), all of which are invariant or allow only very conservative substitutions. This analysis, therefore, suggests a specific conformation for Toxin III.
Psychometric Validation and Reorganization of the Desired Results Developmental Profile.

This study reports an independent investigation of the psychometric properties of Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP), a teacher-rated measure of school readiness for preschool-aged childr...
Blood Exchange in Replacement Transfusions. II. Studies with Erythrocytes Tagged with Radioactive Phosphorus

Red cells labeled with radioactive phosphorus have been used by us to measure the extent and the rate of the replacement of blood in exchange transfusions. The experimental results confirmed the theoretic formulations developed in the preceding paper. On the basis of the above data, it seems reasonable to introduce these curves and formulae whenever exchange transfusions are to be performed.
The computer curriculum and certification: a proposal

Certification continues to be highly important for employment in the computer field. This paper reviews the types of certification most in demand, considers the negative view by academics of certification training in the traditional curriculum, compares such training to other certification training in the academic environment, and proposes several methodologies for embedding at least some certification training into existing CS/CIS courses. It concludes that training should be included in the curriculum.
Effects of yttrium, ytterbium with tungsten co-doping on the light absorption and charge transport properties of bismuth vanadate photoanodes to achieve superior photoelectrochemical water splitting

Effective water splitting by a photoelectrochemical cell using a BiVO4 photoanode is limited by the light absorption and charge transport properties. Dual doping is one of the promising strategies to overcome this problem. In the present work, the role of individual element W, Y, and Yb doping and (Y,W) and (Yb,W) co-doping in BiVO4 is evaluated towards photoelectrochemical water splitting. Doping Y3+ or Yb3+ at the Bi3+ site leads to an extended absorption region (λ ≤ 550) with a reduced band gap but decreases charge transport properties in comparison to W6+ doping at the V5+ site. Dual doping (Y,W) or (Yb,W) in BiVO4 also shows slightly lower PEC performance than that with the W:BiVO4 photoanode. Charge separation/transfer efficiency measurement reveals that the defects generated especially at the surface with Y3+ or Yb3+ substitutional doping act as a recombination center, leading to lower PEC performance. However, by forming a heterojunction with WO3 along with a surface catalyst (Fe:NiO/Co-Pi) layer for efficient charge transfer, the (Y,W):BiVO4 photoanode shows enhanced performance. In particular, the WO3/(Y,W):BiVO4/Fe:NiO/Co-Pi photoanode shows near complete suppression of recombination of electrons and holes with an improved absorption efficiency (∼85%) and efficient charge transfer (73 ± 4%) as well as shows a remarkable photoelectrochemical performance of 5.8 ± 0.3 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V under 1 sun illumination in the K2HPO4 electrolyte. The photoanode also showed high incident and absorbed photon to current conversion efficiency (∼98%), demonstrating a simultaneous positive effect on the light absorption and charge transport properties.
Seminaries and Slavery: An Abolition Struggle Paradigm for Research

A theological response to the three university case studies on slavery audits from William & Mary, Georgetown, and Princeton. Taylor argues that the Princeton Seminary report reflects a reconciliat...
An introduction to S Bases in S Linear Algebra

In this lecture note we define the S bases for the spaces of tempered distributions.These new bases are the analogous of Hilbert bases of separable Hilbert spaces for the continuous case (they are indexed by m-dimensional Euclidean spaces) and enjoy properties similar to those shown by algebraic bases in the finite dimensional case.The S bases are one possible rigorous and extremely manageable mathematical model for the "physical" bases used in Quantum Mechanics.