cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional object recognition from single two-dimensional images

Abstract A computer vision system has been implemented that can recognize three-dimensional objects from unknown viewpoints in single gray-scale images. Unlike most other approaches, the recognition is accomplished without any attempt to reconstruct depth information bottom-up from the visual input. Instead, three other mechanisms are used that can bridge the gap between the two-dimensional image and knowledge of three-dimensional objects. First, a process of perceptual organization is used to form groupings and structures in the image that are likely to be invariant over a wide range of viewpoints. Second, a probabilistic ranking method is used to reduce the size of the search space during model-based matching. Finally, a process of spatial correspondence brings the projections of three-dimensional models into direct correspondence with the image by solving for unknown viewpoint and model parameters. A high level of robustness in the presence of occlusion and missing data can be achieved through full application of a viewpoint consistency constraint. It is argued that similar mechanisms and constraints form the basis for recognition in human vision.
The Political Economy of Personnel Expenditures: Brazilian States, 1965-1994

The main purpose of the paper is to test a model that explains varia- tion in the ratio of expenditure with personnel in Brazilian states from 1965 to 1994. The independent variables include indicators of the political environment in the dis- tinct states, such as number of veto players and level of political competition. Fur- thermore, variables that model the business electoral cycle and institutional changes during the period were also included in the model. The budgetary, electoral and leg- islative data were collected for 22 states from 1965 to 1995. OLS Regression with panel corrected standard errors was used to test the main hypotheses. Results indi- cate that the impact of political variables appears to be conditioned by the broader national institutional framework. During the authoritarian period expenditures with personnel were influenced by the electoral business cycle and by the presence of more than one party in the state legislature. In the democratic period, electoral vulnerabil- ity of state legislators and the electoral cycle are the most important political factors influencing expenditures with personnel. Key-words: Patronage; State Politics; Brazil. JEL Classification: H72.
STABLE BEHAVIORAL INHIBITION AND GLUCOCORTICOID PRODUCTION AS PREDICTORS OF LONGEVITY

Several personality/temperament traits have been linked to health outcomes in humans and animals but underlying physiological mechanisms for these differential outcomes are minimally understood. In this paper, we compared the strength of a behavioral trait (behavioral inhibition) and an associated physiological trait (glucocorticoid production) in predicting life span. In addition, we examined the relative stability of both the behavioral and physiological traits within individuals over a significant portion of adulthood, and tested the hypothesis that a stable behavioral trait is linked with a stable physiological bias. In a sample of 60 Sprague-Dawley male rats, we found that stable inhibition/neophobia was a stronger predictor of life span than stably elevated glucocorticoid production. In addition, these predictors appeared to have an additive influence on life span in that males with both risk factors (stable inhibition and consistently high glucocorticoid production) had the shortest life spans of all, suggesting both traits are important predictors of life span. Across a 4-month period in young adulthood, inhibition and glucocorticoid reactivity were relatively stable traits, however these two traits were not highly correlated with one another. Interestingly, baseline glucocorticoid production was a better predictor of life span than reactivity levels. The results indicate that glucocorticoid production in young adulthood is an important predictor of life span, although not as strong a predictor as inhibition, and that other physiological processes may further explain the shortened life span in behaviorally-inhibited individuals.
Overlap properties of clouds generated by a cloud‐resolving model

In order for General Circulation Models (GCMs), one of our most important tools to predict future climate, to correctly describe the propagation of solar and thermal radiation through the cloudy atmosphere a realistic description of the vertical distribution of cloud amount is needed. Actually, one needs not only the cloud amounts at different levels of the atmosphere, but also how these cloud amounts are related, in other words, how they overlap. Currently GCMs make some idealized assumptions about cloud overlap, for example that contiguous cloud layers overlap maximally and non-contiguous cloud layers overlap in a random fashion. Since there are difficulties in obtaining the vertical profile of cloud amount from observations, the realism of the overlap assumptions made in GCMs has not been yet rigorously investigated. Recently however, cloud observations from a relatively new type of ground radar have been used to examine the vertical distribution of cloudiness. These observations suggest that the GCM overlap assumptions are dubious. Our study uses cloud fields from sophisticated models dedicated to simulate cloud formation, maintenance, and dissipation called Cloud Resolving Models . These models are generally considered capable of producing realistic three-dimensional representation of cloudiness. Using numerous cloud fields produced by such a CRM we show that the degree of overlap between cloud layers is a function of their separation distance, and is in general described by a combination of the maximum and random overlap assumption, with random overlap dominating as separation distances increase. We show that it is possible to parameterize this behavior in a way that can eventually be incorporated in GCMs. Our results seem to have a significant resemblance to the results from the radar observations despite the completely different nature of the datasets. This consistency is encouraging and will promote development of new radiative transfer codes that will estimate the radiation effects of multi-layer cloud fields more accurately.
Thromboembolic complications of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in an immunocompromised patient with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: a case report

Infectious complications represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The etiology is postulated to be secondary to aberrations in cell-mediated immunity, as well as to therapy-related immunosuppression. Hypogammaglobulinemia, which occurs in virtually all patients with CLL, may be profound and correlates with disease duration and stage. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy has been used successfully to prevent and treat infections in this cohort of patients. However IVIG administration and treatment is not benign and should be used with caution given the potential manifestations of thromboembolic complications. High concentration and rapid infusion rate of the IVIG, as well as increased dose and osmolarity of the solution are thought to predispose to thrombotic events. Serum viscosity is the implicated mechanism for compromised blood flow and predisposition of high-risk patients to cardiovascular or cerebrovascular infarction. We report a case of IVIG related thromboembolic manifestations in a CLL patient, to highlight the importance of risk stratifying patients prior to treatment administration. We present a 55-year-old Caucasian man with CLL who presented to our clinic with neutropenic fevers following a cycle of chemotherapy. Laboratory parameters revealed hypogammaglobulinemia prompting IVIG administration. Shortly thereafter, he developed a massive cascade of thromboembolic phenomena precipitating his demise. The current consensus surrounding IVIG is that of a relatively safe treatment, with minor adverse effects such as hypertension, fever and chills, nausea, myalgias, or headache. However our report highlights the importance of proceeding with caution in the application of this therapy, as it's proclivity for thrombotic complications has not been fully elucidated in patients with underlying malignancies. Pre-existing thrombogenic risk factors should be carefully evaluated in patients undergoing treatment with IVIG. Clinical evaluation, with careful attention to vascular history and underlying co-morbidities can potentially unmask the high-risk patient where IVIG could be lethal.
On the L/sub 1/ norm of uncertain linear systems

Presents an algorithm for computing the l/sub /spl infin//-induced norm of linear systems described by time-varying difference equations with uncertain system matrices. The approach is based on ideas from convex analysis. The convergence of the algorithm is studied, and vertex-type results related to the stabilization and L/sub 1/-control of uncertain discrete-time systems are established.
Comparison of effects of two hemoglobin-based O2carriers on intestinal integrity and microvascular leakage

Two “blood substitutes,” a diaspirin cross-linked human hemoglobin [bis(3,5 dibromosalicyl)fumarate, DBBF-Hb] and a bovine polymerized hemoglobin (PolyHbBv), advanced to clinical trials, are used i...
Nonfinancial Information Preferences of Professional Investors

ABSTRACT: Academics, regulators, and the general business community have called for the assessment of the decision-usefulness of three key categories of nonfinancial information: economic, governance, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). This study builds on prior research by examining the nonfinancial information preferences of professional investors, how their demand for the nonfinancial information categories compares to those of nonprofessional investors, and whether these demands vary across subgroups of professional investors. Based on survey responses from 228 professional investors, the results show that this investor class prefers nonfinancial information that is concise, comprehensive, comparable, and credible. Similar to prior research, the results indicate that professional and nonprofessional investors have similar demand orderings: they are most interested in economic information, then governance information, and then CSR information. However, professional investors demand greater deta...
A Miocene Halictine Bee from Rubielos de Mora Basin, Spain (Hymenoptera: Halictidae)

A new species of halictine bee (Apoidea: Anthophila: Halictidae) is described and figured from laminated mudstones of Early Miocene age from Rubielos de Mora Basin, Teruel, Spain. Halictus petrefactus, new species, is the first bee from these deposits to be formally described. The geological history of the Halictidae and of the bees as a whole is briefly reviewed.
Pathological Laughter and Crying and Psychiatric Comorbidity After Traumatic Brain Injury

There are limited data regarding the incidence of pathological laughter and crying (PLC) after traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study aimed to identify the occurrence of PLC in the first year after TBI and to determine whether there is a relationship between PLC and other clinical features or demographics. Subjects who sustained a first-time TBI were recruited from acute trauma units and were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months after TBI. Rates of PLC at 3, 6, and 12 months after TBI were 21.4%, 17.5%, and 15.5%, respectively. Patients with PLC had higher percentages of psychiatric diagnoses, including personality changes, depressive disorders, and mood disorders secondary to a general medical condition, as well as higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder. Univariate logistic and linear regression analyses indicated a significant association between PLC and scores on the Clinical Anxiety Scale 3 months after TBI and on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 12 months after TBI. Individuals who have PLC during the first year after TBI are more likely to have any psychiatric diagnosis as well as higher rates of mood and anxiety symptoms. In addition, PLC in the early TBI period may serve as a predictor of depression and anxiety symptoms at 12 months after TBI.
"I'm Just Playing iPad": Comparing Prekindergarteners' and Preservice Teachers' Social Interactions While Using Tablets for Learning.

In this article we share descriptive findings from two qualitative, grounded theory (Glaser, 1978, 1992, 1998) studies on how two distinct groups of learners—prekindergarteners and preservice teachers in early childhood education coursework—used touch-screen tablets in their playful, discovery-based learning processes. We found similarities across both contexts as prekindergarteners and preservice teachers engaged in social interactions, gathering ideas from each other while exploring open-ended tablet apps. In addition to descriptions of learners’ talk and actions alongside one another, we offer strategies for teacher educators seeking to provide dynamic learning experiences (particularly with tablets) for preservice teachers. We also offer suggestions for app selection that might allow discovery-based learning opportunities for both preservice teachers and the young children they hope to teach.
Cedar Apple Rust

Cedar apple rust is an appropriate name for a disease caused by a fungus that attacks both the cedar and the apple. It is also fitting since the reddish galls produced on the cedar are called cedar apples! This disease is caused by Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae. Two similar diseases, Hawthorn rust and quince rust, are caused by closely related fungi, Gymnosporangium globosum and Gymnosporangium clavipes, respectively. These three fungi and related species are heteroecious and demicyclic, a form of macrocyclic species in which no uredial stages occur. No uredial stages occur in most species of Gymnosporangium.
Induction of Gamma Interferon by Endotoxin in “Aged” Murine Splenocyte Cultures

Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a lymphocyte mitogen and stimulator of the immune response. It is known to induce alpha/beta interferon (IFN) in murine splenocyte cultures when added at culture initiation. However, in the present study, “aged” populations of splenocytes were seen to produce gamma IFN when stimulated by LPS. Whole spleen cell cultures, which were allowed to incubate 24, 48, or 72 hours before the addition of 10 µg/m1 endotoxin, elaborated approximately 150 units of IFN per ml of culture fluid. All but about 20% of this antiviral activity was neutralized by monoclonal antibody to gamma IFN. Furthermore, the addition of 10 µg/ml polymyxin B to 48-hour cultures resulted in the abrogation of gamma IFN and alpha/beta IFN production, demonstrating that LPS is responsible for the induction of both types of IFNs. Aged adherent spleen cell cultures produced a mixture of IFNs, the majority of which was not neutralizable by anti-IFN-gamma, suggesting that macrophages produced predominantly alpha/beta IFN in response to LPS regardless of time in culture. In other experiments, whole spleen cell cultures were depleted of T cells by treatment with anti-Thy 1.2 plus complement and then stimulated with endotoxin. The addition of LPS to T-depleted populations at the start of incubation resulted in a predominantly alpha/beta response, as expected. However, the production of gamma IFN in response to LPS in aged spleen cell cultures was abrogated by T cell depletion.
The variational effects of jurisdictional attributes on hazard mitigation planning costs.

Under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and Federal Emergency Management Agency's subsequent Interim Final Rule, the requirement was placed on local governments to author and gain approval for a Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) for the areas under their jurisdiction. Low completion percentages for HMPs—less than one-third of eligible governments— were found by an analysis conducted 3 years after the final deadline for the aforementioned legislation took place. Follow-up studies showed little improvement at 5 and 8 years after the deadline. Based on these results, a previous study hypothesized that the cost of creating a HMP might be an influential factor in explaining why most jurisdictions had failed to write or gain approval for a HMP. The frequency of natural hazards experienced by the planning jurisdiction, the number of jurisdictions participating in the plan, and the population and population density were found to explain more than half of the variation in HMP costs. This study is a continuation of that effort, finding that there are significant differences in cost both across ranges of values for the jurisdictional attributes and single-jurisdictional versus multijurisdictional plans.
Metastable Defect Kinetics in Hydrogen Passivated Polycrystalline Silicon

The temperature dependence of the dark conductivity, σD, of unhydrogenated and hydrogen passivated polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) films was Measured. While σD of unhydrogenated poly-Si did not exhibit any influence of thermal treatment prior to the measurement, striking effects were observed in hydrogenated poly-Si films. Below 268 K a cooling-rate dependent metastable change of σD is observed. The dark conductivity increases by more than 8 orders of magnitude. This frozen-in state is metastable: Annealing and a slow cool restore the temperature dependence of the relaxed state. The time and temperature dependence of the relaxation reveal that this process is thermally activated with 0.74 eV. The lack of the quenching metastability in unhydrogenated poly-Si is direct evidence that the metastable changes in σD are due to the formation and dissociation of an electrically active hydrogen complex, in the grain-boundary regions.
Transrectal Elastographic Biopsy and Contrast-Enhanced Transrectal Biopsy May Offer Improvements Over the Current Transrectal Systemic Biopsy Technique

Prostate cancer is a common cause of cancer-related death of men in the United States. The purpose of this review is to compare the validity of transrectal ultrasound–guided systemic biopsy with co...
Effect of Hydrogen on The Electronic Structure of a Grain Boundary In Iron

LMTO-ASA calculations were performed on a 26-atom supercell model of a ∑3(111) grain boundary (GB) in bcc Fe. The supercell emulated two GB's with 11 (111)planes of Fe atoms between the GB planes. One of the GB's was clean, with a structural vacancy at the GB core in the center of a trigonal prism of Fe atoms, while on the other GB this site was occupied by a H atom. The interplanar spacings of the supercell were relaxed using a modified embedded atom method. As in the case of P and S in a similar GB environment in Fe there is only a weak interaction between H and nearest Fe atoms. Almost all the Fe d-states are nonbonding. A very weak covalent bond exists between H and Fe due to s-d hybridization, the hybrid bonding part located far below the Fermi energy. This bond is mostly of σ-type, connecting H with the Fe atoms in the GB plane; the δ-component of this bond across the GB is weaker. A weak electrostatic interaction attracts Fe-atoms across the clean GB, but results in repulsion if a H atom is present. The magnetic contribution to intergranular cohesion is decreased when H is present due the suppression of the magnetic moments of the nearest Fe atoms both in the GB plane and directly across the GB.
Measurement of renal hemodynamics in man by the "slope method" without urinalysis.

Summary1. We have determined PAH and mannitol clearances by the slope method without urine collection in 17 experiments, on 16 patients, comparing the results with urine clearances simultaneously measured.2. Values of PAH clearance determined by the slope method and based on the volume of distribution either of PAH or mannitol, failed to be confirmed consistently by simultaneously measured urine clearances. PAH slope clearance agreed more often with urine clearance when the slope clearance was based on the volume of distribution of mannitol than when based on the volume of distribution of PAH. This agreement occurred too frequently to be fortuitous.
Sliding Mode AQM Algorithm for TCP Networks with Uncertainty

An active queue management(AQM) algorithm based on sliding mode control(SMC) theory is proposed to solve the congestion problem in transmission control protocol(TCP) networks.The algorithm is put forward on the basis of linear TCP network congestion control model.An asymptotically stable sliding surface is designed by linear matrix inequality(LMI) to compensate for the effect of uncertainty in networks.In this way the design of the sliding surface is transformed into solving the LMI.Applying an improved reaching condition to the congestion control system,the chattering is obviously decreased.The controller satisfying the reaching condition can effectively constrain the oscillation of the queue length in router.The simulation results in different scenarios demonstrate the favarable stability and robustness of the algorithm.
Capitalization of Seller-Paid Concessions Near the Recent Peak of the Housing Bubble

Using listing price as a proxy to the market value of residential housing, this study examines the extent to which seller-paid concessions are capitalized into the final selling price of residentia...
Sulfur amino acids, hyperglycinemia, and certain possibly benign conditions.

Inherited abnormalities of sulfur amino acid metabolism have been infrequently diagnosed in the perinatal period. Proper diagnosis is necessary so that treatment might prevent later disability. Care of patients requires the assistance of a metabolic treatment center which includes specialized laboratories and nutritionists.
REVENUE AND TAXATION Ad Valorem Taxation of Property: Provide for the Ad Valorem Taxation of Timber and Current Use Valuation / Taxation of Bona Fide Conservation Use Property and Bona Fide Residential Transitional Property

The Act allows taxation of standing timber when it is cut or sold. The Act also allows certain qualifying properties to be valued according to current use rather than fair market value to preserve the aesthetic beauty of the State of Georgia and to allow property owners to keep large pieces of property that were previously unaffordable due to high taxes.
Future power supply technologies

During the last decades the power conversion technology has changed dramatically. Linear regulator had been replaced by switch mode power supplies. The switching frequencies had been increased from several ten kHz to several hundred kHz. In order to fulfill also the future demand in increasing power density and efficiency new components as well as new topologies are mandatory.
Disrupted pancreatic duct treated with a combination of endoscopic cystoduodenostomy and pancreatic duct fistualization through a pseudocyst wall using a lumen-apposing metal stent.

The management of disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome is complex and is increasingly approached using emerging endoscopic techniques. Here, we present a case of recurrent pancreatitis in an elderly woman complicated by pseudocyst formation and complete pancreatic duct disruption. Her condition was treated with a novel combination of transpapillary stenting and cystduodenostomy in which a pancreatic duct stent was placed into an opening in the pseudocyst wall via lumen-apposing metal stent. This allowed for effective drainage into the gastrointestinal tract and resolution of duct disruption. Post-procedure, the patient has had recovery of nutritional status and no further recurrence of pancreatic fluid collection. Endoscopic approaches to complete pancreatic duct disruption represent a viable and less invasive alternative to surgical management in selected cases. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
First Report: The FCC's Regulation of Indecency

This First Report, a document prepared at the request of the First Amendment Center, is an account of the FCC's recent shifts in its approach to the regulation of indecency on the broadcast medium. Principally designed to be descriptive and geared to policy-making as well as legal audiences, the Report carefully maps both the procedural and substantive changes in the FCC's indecency enforcement process. In addition, the Report addresses the First Amendment issues raised by the Commission's actions and inquires whether the agency's aggressive enforcement of its indecency rules can viably be extended both to non-broadcast electronic media (such as cable) and to violent programming on the air.
From Test Scores to Language Use: Emergent Bilinguals Using English to Accomplish Academic Tasks.

ABSTRACTProminent discourses about emergent bilinguals’ academic abilities tend to focus on performance as measured by test scores and perpetuate the message that emergent bilinguals trail far behi...
Sexually Explicit Media and Condomless Anal Sex Among Gay and Bisexual Men.

Gay and bisexual men (GBM) have reported viewing significantly more sexually explicit media (SEM) than heterosexual men. There is some evidence that SEM depicting bareback anal sex may be linked to engagement in condomless anal sex (CAS) and thus HIV/STI transmission among GBM. A nationwide sample of HIV-negative GBM in the U.S. completed an online survey that included measures on SEM consumption (both overall frequency and percentage viewed depicting bareback sex) and reported on CAS in the past 3 months. Data showed that there was no main effect for the frequency of SEM watched in association on either the number of CAS acts with casual partners or the probability of engaging in CAS during a casual sex event. However, there was an interaction between amount of SEM consumed and percentage of bareback SEM consumed on both outcomes, such that men who reported both a high frequency of SEM consumption and a high percentage of their SEM being bareback reported the highest levels of risk behavior. These findings highlight the role that barebacking depicted in SEM may play in the normalization of sexual risk behaviors for GBM. Interventions looking to target the role SEM may play in the lives of GBM should examine what variables may help to mediate associations between viewing SEM and engaging in risk behavior.
A chloroquine-induced macrophage-preconditioning strategy for improved nanodelivery

Site-specific localization is critical for improving the therapeutic efficacy and safety of drugs. Nanoparticles have emerged as promising tools for localized drug delivery. However, over 90% of systemically injected nanocarriers typically accumulate in the liver and spleen due to resident macrophages that form the mononuclear phagocyte system. In this study, the clinically approved antimalarial agent chloroquine was shown to reduce nanoparticle uptake in macrophages by suppressing endocytosis. Pretreatment of mice with a clinically relevant dose of chloroquine substantially decreased the accumulation of liposomes and silicon particles in the mononuclear phagocyte system and improved tumoritropic and organotropic delivery. The novel use of chloroquine as a macrophage-preconditioning agent presents a straightforward approach for addressing a major barrier in nanomedicine. Moreover, this priming strategy has broad applicability for improving the biodistribution and performance of particulate delivery systems. Ultimately, this study defines a paradigm for the combined use of macrophage-modulating agents with nanotherapeutics for improved site-specific delivery.
User perceived learning from interactive searching on big medical literature data

As in other fields, search engines have been heavily used as an information accessing tool for massive amount of medical literature data. This research investigates the user's learning during interactive searching process with the PubMed data, to find out what search behaviors would be associated with the user's perceived learning, and whether or not the user's perceived learning could be reflected in the existing search performance measures, so that such measures could also be used for indicating learning during searching process. The research used a data set collected by a research project on searching, which involved 35 participants at a major US university. The results show that the number of documents saved is significantly correlated with perceived learning for all search topics. None of the classical search performance measures is correlated with perceived learning. However, for specific topics, one of the performance measures, Recall, is significantly correlated with perceived learning. The results and the implications of the findings are discussed.
Maximum principle for nonconvex finite difference control systems

Optimal control problems are considered for a family of finite difference systems with constraints on the control and phase variables. Such systems arise in computer calculations of optimal control systems with continuous time and also in the simulation of discrete large-scale optimization problems. We regard discrete approximation systems as a process with decreasing time quantization period. New necessary optimality conditions for such systems are obtained in the form of the approximate maximum principle which is fuifilled the more precise the less is the time quantization period. We consider arbitrary nonlinear control systems without any assumptions about convexity. Constructive methods are proved for approximating the state constraints so that the stability of the Pontryagin maximum principle is ensured in computer calculations of nonconvex control systems with continuous time. The results obtained are used for the analysis of qualitative aspects and the development of numerical algorithms of optimal control.
Older women and alcohol. Use and abuse.

Although estimates of elderly problem drinkers and alcohol-related health problems among the elderly are approximate, there does appear to be a decline in the number of drinkers and the number of heavy drinkers. As with all age groups, there are fewer women who drink than men and fewer women problem drinkers. Moderate social drinking varies with health and income. Among older women, there may well be more problematic use of prescribed psychoactive drugs than alcohol.
The Cost-Benefit State

Gradually, and in fits and starts, the American regulatory state is becoming a cost-benefit state. This essay argues on behalf of the transformation, as a method for overcoming selective attention, public ignorance, "legislation by anecdote," and rent-seeking. At the same time it identifies three serious risks in current theory and practice: excessive proceduralism; engrafting cost-benefit requirements on top of existing command-and-control regulation; and using the criterion of private willingness to pay in contexts for which that criterion is ill-suited. The essay urges a shift from command-and-control to more flexible strategies, including "environmental contracting." It also attempts to identify and cast light on the most complex issues involving valuation of regulatory benefits.
Preliminary results of a randomized study of intrahepatic infusion versus systemic infusion of 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine for metastatic colorectal carcinoma.

Development of a totally implantable infusion pump produced a renewed interest in hepatic infusional therapy. An initial study employing this pump by Ensminger and associates and the continuous hepatic infusion of 5-fluoro-2′-deoxyuridine (FUdR) observed an 83% response rate [1]. However, further work with this method brought the mean response rate down to 59% (Table 1) [2], which, however, is still higher than the mean response rate obtained with systemic chemotherapy.
The P-Factor: A Transposable Element in Drosophila

A number of seemingly unrelated phenomena, including high mutability, chromosome breakage, temperature-sensitive sterility, and male crossing-over, appear in certain inter-strain crosses in Drosophila melanogaster. The collection of symptoms has been called “hybrid dysgenesis”. The explanation is a 2907 bp transposable element, designated P. The P element is highly mobile in an appropriate maternally-derived cellular environment, designated M, but hardly at all otherwise. The various manifestations of hybrid dysgenesis are thought to be consequences of P factor transposition.
Parallelization does not Accelerate Convex Optimization: Adaptivity Lower Bounds for Non-smooth Convex Minimization.

In this paper we study the limitations of parallelization in convex optimization. A convenient approach to study parallelization is through the prism of \emph{adaptivity} which is an information theoretic measure of the parallel runtime of an algorithm [BS18]. Informally, adaptivity is the number of sequential rounds an algorithm needs to make when it can execute polynomially-many queries in parallel at every round. For combinatorial optimization with black-box oracle access, the study of adaptivity has recently led to exponential accelerations in parallel runtime and the natural question is whether dramatic accelerations are achievable for convex optimization. For the problem of minimizing a non-smooth convex function $f:[0,1]^n\to \mathbb{R}$ over the unit Euclidean ball, we give a tight lower bound that shows that even when $\texttt{poly}(n)$ queries can be executed in parallel, there is no randomized algorithm with $\tilde{o}(n^{1/3})$ rounds of adaptivity that has convergence rate that is better than those achievable with a one-query-per-round algorithm. A similar lower bound was obtained by Nemirovski [Nem94], however that result holds for the $\ell_{\infty}$-setting instead of $\ell_2$. In addition, we also show a tight lower bound that holds for Lipschitz and strongly convex functions. At the time of writing this manuscript we were not aware of Nemirovski's result. The construction we use is similar to the one in [Nem94], though our analysis is different. Due to the close relationship between this work and [Nem94], we view the research contribution of this manuscript limited and it should serve as an instructful approach to understanding lower bounds for parallel optimization.
Towards Not Re-Inventing the Wheel: Managing Data Management Tools

NoSQL databases offer powerful abstractions for querying non-relational data. However, NoSQL products generally pursue superior flexibility, customizability, scalability, and performance goals while neglecting support for generally useful data management tools. In particular, products typically ship without integrated support for management features rendered conventional by the long history of RDBMSs, such as sophisticated query processing systems, join operations, aggregate functions, and integrity constraints. The design decision forces users of NoSQL technologies to find alternative methods for providing missing tools by engaging either directly or indirectly in a suboptimal k-implementation cycle as developers re-invent new instances of the same data management tools across NoSQL products. This paper articulates the problem associated with the lax regard for data management support currently defining the class of NoSQL databases and introduces the Piper package index and management system as an exploratory solution.
Exploring the relationship between visual preferences for tiny and small houses and land use policy in the southeastern United States

There is increased interest in accommodating tiny and small houses into urban communities. However, in many jurisdictions, current land use policy is prohibitive of very small homes. This research examines peoples’ perceptions of tiny and small homes at two case site locations that are crafting policy to accommodate small dwellings, in order to better understand preferences and community concerns related to the integration of these homes. Peoples’ perceptions are explored through the use of a visual preference survey (VPS). The VPS examines perceptions and preferences for the various ways tiny and small houses can be integrated into urban areas, and for several design aspects, such as architectural style. The results find preferences for how tiny and small houses might be sited and for specific design elements. For example, respondents at both case site locations indicated high preferences for tiny-house-specific developments, and for tiny and small homes built in a traditional architectural style. The results also find concerns towards tiny and small house integration efforts. For example, stakeholders expressed apprehension about how tiny and small homes may impact surrounding property values. The article examines how such preferences and concerns might be addressed in order to craft “best practices” in the development of tiny and small house land use policy.
Length of Stay and Complications Associated With Febrile Infants <90 Days of Age Hospitalized in the United States, 2000-2012: A Commentary

Zangwill et al1 present a statistically rigorous study designed to evaluate whether there was a change in length of stay (LOS) for young, febrile infants hospitalized for evaluation between 2000 and 2012. Using a national data set, in combination with state agencies’ discharge databases, the authors of this study retrospectively analyzed LOS, risk factors for prolonged LOS, complications, and results of viral testing of >40 000 infants <90 days of age. The authors conclude that LOS for febrile infants did not change significantly during this 12-year period. This was contrary to their hypothesis that changes in epidemiology of bacterial infections and increased use of viral testing should have led to a decrease in LOS for these infants. The authors conclude that “targeted effort to raise awareness and implications of these issues in the care of inpatients”1 is needed. If the authors’ hypothesis is correct (that LOS should have decreased and did not), our field has work to do. If we have failed to appropriately shorten LOS in a population deserving of it, then we are falling short of adequately using the tools and knowledge at our disposal to meaningfully adapt our practice, which would be concerning. However, we must critically assess the 2 points made by the authors with regard as to why a shorter LOS was hypothesized for well-appearing, febrile infants: …
Online Malware Detection in Cloud Auto-scaling Systems Using Shallow Convolutional Neural Networks

This paper introduces a novel online malware detection approach in cloud by leveraging one of its unique characteristics—auto-scaling. Auto-scaling in cloud allows for maintaining an optimal number of running VMs based on load, by dynamically adding or terminating VMs. Our detection system is online because it detects malicious behavior while the system is running. Malware detection is performed by utilizing process-level performance metrics to model a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). We initially employ a 2d CNN approach which trains on individual samples of each of the VMs in an auto-scaling scenario. That is, there is no correlation between samples from different VMs during the training phase. We enhance the detection accuracy by considering the correlations between multiple VMs through a sample pairing approach. Experiments are performed by injecting malware inside one of the VMs in an auto-scaling scenario. We show that our standard 2d CNN approach reaches an accuracy of \({\simeq }90\%\). However, our sample pairing approach significantly improves the accuracy to \({\simeq }97\%\).
ME1.3 - High-performance III-V/Si Phase Shifter Arrays for Beam Steering (Invited)

A high-performance III-V/Si phase shifter with a Vpi of 0.45 V and residual amplitude modulation of 0.15 dB is reported. We are able to integrate the phase shifter in dense configuration for optical phased arrays with a pitch of 4 µm, and demonstrate beam steering.
Comparative Analysis of the Industrial Exoskeleton Control Systems

The present paper deals with the topical issues of the control system development for electric drives of the powered (active) exoskeleton designed for industrial applications. Two types of implementation of the control system (control system with force sensor (CSFS) and control system with motion sensor (CSMS)) are presented. Different types of the measuring complex allow to evaluate the operator’s activity and to form the driving signals for electric drives. Particular attention is paid to the simulation of nonlinear properties of the electric drive and the measuring system. To assess the results of numerical simulations, a comprehensive criterion for evaluating the quality indicators of the control system was developed and optimization possibilities for the control system parameters were studied. A comparative analysis of two approaches to the feedback loop implementation for the purposes of the control system has been presented, and a few proposals for their practical application have been outlined in the chapter.
Evolutionary genetics: who shouldn't be your daddy.

Unusual reproductive incompatibility has been discovered between two strains of a nematode worm. This finding indicates that natural selection can generate long-term divergence within self-fertilizing populations.
Cryotherapy and self-reported fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review

AbstractBackground: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative neurological condition leading to central nervous system demyelination. Research shows that cryotherapy may increase function and decre...
Optical absorption in polycrystalline PETN, RDX, HMX, CL-20 and HNS and its possible effect on exploding bridgewire detonator function

Exploding bridgewire (EBW) detonators work by bursting a thin conducting wire as a result of a high voltage discharge. This process is known to produce a strong UV emission. The roles of optical ab...
Engaging Students in Analyzing Bullying Behavior through the Lens of Critical Thinking

Definitions of critical thinking, its elements, and its associated activities have filled the educational literature of the past forty years. Critical thinking has been described as an ability to q...
Computer Manipulatives and Student Engagement in an Online Mathematics Course

The MIT Mathlets constitute a collection of interactive JavaScript visualizations. They have been used in lecture and homework at MIT since 2002. Beginning in 2015, many of them have been integrated into several MITx courses, for both MOOC and residential use. We will describe these tools, how they have been modified and extended for integration into an online environment, and the student reaction to them. We also offer a simple model accounting for the distribution of learner persistence.
Upgrading Pediatric Transition: Combining Best Practices for Success

Purpose The period of transition from pediatric to adult care is a risk to the health of a heart transplant recipient. Best practice resources are available for transplant centers yet pose an additional time-consuming task. This study overviews one center's approach to improving their transition program utilizing current literature, continuous quality improvement and individualization for optimal outcomes. Methods A gap assessment was completed reviewing the current transition program against the literature's best practice standard. Surveys of stakeholders were performed to identify areas of strength and weakness. Four focus areas for improvement were selected: 1) Development of high-quality transition care harnessing limited clinician time and budget resources utilizing American Society of Transplantation Pediatric Transition action plans and readiness assessments. To simplify clinician workload, all patients in the transition program were divided into groups by transition phase and age. Content from each phase was divided into focus sections that repeat with increasing complexity. 2) Normalize the transition process using patient-peer support groups along with goal mastery. A group learning session for each transition group was implemented every 6 months where new transition topics were introduced, and individual goals were set. These goals were discussed at each clinic visit to individualize care. 3) Improving transition of primary medical responsibility from caregiver to the young adult patient. Caregivers were made an essential part of each child's goals with annual “caregiver only” transition learning and support sessions. 4) Incorporating surveys of patient, caregiver and adult transplant center teams to guide a continuous quality improvement process. Results Using PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycles has led to high satisfaction and preparation of the transition patients. Our transition program was initiated in 2011 and educated a total of 38 patients. Since modifying our transition program in 2017: 51 patients have been part of the revised format, 5 patients have successfully transitioned and 100% of patients and caregivers reporting feeling well prepared for transition. Conclusion Utilizing industry standards, existing resources and addressing identified center specific needs can result in an effective, streamlined and successful transplant transition program.
Co(II) Complexes as Liposomal CEST Agents

Three paramagnetic CoII macrocyclic complexes containing 2-hydroxypropyl pendant groups, 1,1',1'',1'''-(1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-1,4,8,11-tetrayl)tetrakis- (propan-2-ol) ([Co(L1)]2+ , 1,1'-(4,11-dibenzyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-1,8-diyl)bis(propan-2-ol) ([Co(L2)]2+ ), and 1,1'-(4,11-dibenzyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-1,8-diyl)bis(octadecan-2-ol) ([Co(L3)]2+ ) were synthesized to prepare transition metal liposomal chemical exchange saturation transfer (lipoCEST) agents. In solution, ([Co(L1)]2+ ) forms two isomers as shown by 1 H NMR spectroscopy. X-ray crystallographic studies show one isomer with 1,8-pendants in cis-configuration and a second isomer with 1,4-pendants in trans-configuration. The [Co(L2)]2+ complex has 1,8-pendants in a cis-configuration. Remarkably, the paramagnetic-induced shift of water 1 H NMR resonances in the presence of the [Co(L1)]2+ complex is as large as that observed for one of the most effective LnIII water proton shift agents. Incorporation of [Co(L1)]2+ into the liposome aqueous core, followed by dialysis against a solution of 300 mOsm L-1 produces a CEST peak at 3.5 ppm. Incorporation of the amphiphilic [Co(L3)]2+ complex into the liposome bilayer produces a more highly shifted CEST peak at -13 ppm. Taken together, these data demonstrate the feasibility of preparing CoII lipoCEST agents.
Vacuum Pyrolysis of Hybrid Poplar Milled Wood Lignin with Fourier Transform-Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Feedstock and Products for the Elucidation of Reaction Mechanisms

The pyrolysis of lignocellulosic materials is a promising technique to produce fuels and chemicals. It is well known that the most abundant products of lignin pyrolysis are oligomeric molecules, kn...
The stability of androgynous names: Dynamics of gendered naming practices in the United States 1880–2016

Abstract Scholars have argued that androgynous names—names given to both boys and girls—are unstable because parents prefer single-gender names. This single-gender preference creates bandwagon effects: as a name is increasingly given to girls, it becomes less attractive for parents of boys, and vice-versa. We contrast this bandwagon model with a taste model: in the taste model parents evaluate name gender based on how a name's spelling or phonology signals its similarity to other gendered names. We first show that previous research on androgynous names makes conceptual errors which render its conclusions unreliable. Using more extensive data and new analyses, we show that popularity for both boys and girls for most androgynous names tends to rise and fall in tandem, as opposed to popularity with one sex making the name less popular for the other. Androgynous names, moreover, remain in use for longer lengths of time compared to nonandrogynous names. In short, androgynous names, although rare, are stably androgynous. Finally, we show that many examples of names switching from one gender to another, such as Leslie or Ashley, were part of a larger shift in tastes which made the long-e suffix more desirable for girls’ names. Following other work on name adoption, and larger debates in the literature on cultural consumption, we argue that gendered baby-naming is more consistent with a taste model of cultural adoption, as opposed to a bandwagon model.