On the formalization and reuse of scientific research

The reuse of scientific knowledge obtained from one investigation in another investigation is basic to the advance of science. Scientific investigations should therefore be recorded in ways that promote the reuse of the knowledge they generate. The use of logical formalisms to describe scientific knowledge has potential advantages in facilitating such reuse. Here, we propose a formal framework for using logical formalisms to promote reuse. We demonstrate the utility of this framework by using it in a worked example from biology: demonstrating cycles of investigation formalization [F] and reuse [R] to generate new knowledge. We first used logic to formally describe a Robot scientist investigation into yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) functional genomics [f₁]. With Robot scientists, unlike human scientists, the production of comprehensive metadata about their investigations is a natural by-product of the way they work. We then demonstrated how this formalism enabled the reuse of the research in investigating yeast phenotypes [r₁ = R(f₁)]. This investigation found that the removal of non-essential enzymes generally resulted in enhanced growth. The phenotype investigation was then formally described using the same logical formalism as the functional genomics investigation [f₂ = F(r₁)]. We then demonstrated how this formalism enabled the reuse of the phenotype investigation to investigate yeast systems-biology modelling [r₂ = R(f₂)]. This investigation found that yeast flux-balance analysis models fail to predict the observed changes in growth. Finally, the systems biology investigation was formalized for reuse in future investigations [f₃ = F(r₂)]. These cycles of reuse are a model for the general reuse of scientific knowledge.     

Changes in rat pleural mesothelium as affected by intrapleural administration of asbestos

When studying total pleural mesothelium films in rats after intrapleural injection of chrysotile the pathological regeneration of the mesothelium is observed. During 12 months of the experiment rare mitoses, multinuclear cells and symplasts were found.     

Adenosine deaminase in differential diagnosis of peripheral lymph node tuberculosis

Improved hemodynamics and blood flow have been reported in patients with IABPs who experience cardiopulmonary arrest and require CPR. The following research questions, however, remain unanswered: Is there a more effective method of using IABP to prevent cardiac arrest and the need for CPR? Is the timing of balloon inflation and deflation the same for patients undergoing CPR as it is for patients who do not require CPR? Would earlier or later inflation or deflation further enhance cerebral or systemic blood flow? What are the most effective ways for healthcare staff to maintain competency skills in CPR in patients with IABPs?     

Analysis of gas motion in the clearance between the cover disk and the casing of centrifugal compressor stage

The possibility of application of FLUENT and CFX programs for improving the flow section for gas motion in the clearance between the cover disk and the casing in the labyrinth seal has been explored. The friction loss in the clearance and the rate of mass flow through the labyrinth seal have been assessed. The gas flow pattern and the key parameters of the flow in the clearance between the impeller cover disk and the immobile casing wall as well as in the labyrinth seal ridges (strips) have been obtained by calculations. __________ Translated from Khimicheskoe i Neftegazovoe Mashinostroenie, No. 5, pp. 27–29, May, 2007.     

Existence of Berge equilibrium in conflicts under uncertainty

The main tool for conflict resolution (equilibration) is the equilibrium strategy. Among the torrent of publications in this field, including the seven Nobel prize winners of 1994–2012, the Nash equilibrium is the fundamental one. Such equilibrium. however, does not necessarily exist. In this case, it is only natural to introduce a new notion of equilibrium, that of Berge. It was discussed in the paper which established existence of the Berge equilibrium in the mixed strategies and proposed sufficient conditions reducible to determination of the saddle point of a special Germeier convolution of the gain functions.