cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relation of Coronary Artery Calcium and Extra-Coronary Aortic Calcium to Incident Hypertension (from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis)

Arterial calcification reflects an atherosclerotic process associated with vascular stiffness. Whether baseline coronary artery calcium (CAC) and extra-coronary calcium (ECC), measured using noncontrast computed tomography imaging, are associated with incident hypertension is poorly understood. We studied participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis without measured or self-reported hypertension at baseline. Incident hypertension was defined by blood pressure criteria (BP, ≥140/90 mmHg), BP medication use, or both, and was assessed at in-person visits. We analyzed incident hypertension using multivariable-adjusted discrete-time proportional hazards models. Net reclassification improvement (NRI) assessed whether CAC reclassified hypertension risk when added to the Framingham hypertension risk score. Among 3,304 subjects analyzed, mean age was 59 ± 10 years; 48% were male and 42% were white. There were 1,283 incident hypertension cases over a median (interquartile range) follow-up time of 10.6 (4.5, 11.5) years. Each 1-unit increase in ln(CAC+1) was independently associated with a 12% higher risk of hypertension (95% confidence interval [CI] 9% to 16%). Relative to CAC = 0, patients with CAC >400 had a hazard ratio for incident hypertension of 2.2 (95% CI 1.8 to 2.9). There was no interaction by age, gender, or baseline BP (p = 0.43, 0.19, 0.09, respectively). Continuous NRI analyses demonstrated that CAC can reclassify risk of incident hypertension; NRI = 0.19 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.26). Furthermore, all measurements of ECC were significantly associated with incident hypertension, even after adjustment for CAC (hazard ratios ranging from 1.36 to 1.38). In conclusion, patients with CAC and ECC are at markedly higher risk of incident hypertension and may benefit from more intensified prevention efforts.
What Can Trial-to-Trial Variability Tell Us? A Distribution-Based Approach to Spike Train Decoding in the Rat Hippocampus and Entorhinal Cortex

Is it possible to robustly encode information from a population of neurons that rarely provide information? Neurons within the rat hippocampus and entorhinal cortex (EC) have been shown to possess spatial receptive fields that modulate their firing properties under different sets of behavioral or experimental conditions, termed contexts. Recent studies have identified cells in these regions that show changes in trial-to-trial firing rate variability as a function of experimental context. How then, could changes in variability, not observable in a single trial be useful to information processing in the brain? We propose a scenario in which individual neurons with high trial-to-trial variability each provide substantive information over small subsets of trials, which are distributed so that a population of the cells could robustly encode context across all trials. In this chapter, we explore the nature of trial-to-trail variability, and seek to verify our hypothesis by developing a decoding algorithm that predicts context from spiking data using a model characterizing changes in the full distribution of firing rate structure across trials. We compare this algorithm to another decoding procedure that accounts for only changes in mean firing rate. We apply these decoding algorithms to and experimental spiking data, and show that information is combined from many sparsely encoding cells within CA1 and dcMEC ensembles to robustly encode context.
Block copolymer derived 3-D interpenetrating multifunctional gyroidal nanohybrids for electrical energy storage

Electrical energy storage systems such as batteries would benefit enormously from integrating all device components in three-dimensional (3-D) architectures on the nanoscale to improve their power capability without negatively impacting the device-scale energy density. However, the lack of large scale synthesis methods of 3-D architectures with precise spatial control of multiple, functional energy materials at the nanoscale remains a key issue holding back the development of such intricate device designs. To achieve fully integrated, multi-material nano-3-D architectures, next-generation nanofabrication requires departure from the traditional top-down patterning methods. Here, we present an approach to such systems based on the bottom-up synthesis of co-continuous nanohybrids with all necessary functional battery components rationally integrated in a triblock terpolymer derived core–shell double gyroid architecture. In our design three-dimensional periodically ordered, functional anode and cathode nanonetworks are separated by an ultrathin electrolyte phase within a single 3-D nanostructure. All materials are less than 20 nm in their layer dimensions, co-continuous and interpenetrating in 3-D, and extended throughout a macroscopic monolith. The electrochemical analysis of our solid-state nano-3-D Li-ion/sulfur system demonstrated battery-like characteristics with stable open circuit voltage, reversible discharge voltage and capacity, and orders of magnitude decreases in footprint area compared to two-dimensional thin layer designs.
Population assignment and local adaptation along an isolation-by-distance gradient in Pacific cod ( Gadus macrocephalus ).

The discernment of populations as management units is a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable exploitation of species. A lack of clear stock boundaries complicates not only the identification of spatial management units, but also the assessment of mixed fisheries by population assignment and mixed stock analysis. Many marine species, such as Pacific cod, are characterized by isolation by distance, showing significant differentiation but no clear stock boundaries. Here, we used restriction-site-associated DNA (RAD) sequencing to investigate population structure and assess power to genetically assign Pacific cod to putative populations of origin. Samples were collected across the species range in the eastern Pacific Ocean, from the Salish Sea to the Aleutian Islands. A total of 6,425 putative biallelic single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified from 276 individuals. We found a strong isolation-by-distance signal along coastlines that mirrored previous microsatellite results and pronounced genetic differentiation between coastal samples and those from the inland waters of the Salish Sea, with no evidence for hybridization between these two populations. Individual assignment success based on two methods was high overall (≥84%) but decreased from south to north. Assignment to geographic location of origin also was successful, with average distance between capture and assignment location of 220 km. Outlier analyses identified more loci potentially under selection along the coast than between Salish Sea and coastal samples, suggesting more diverse adaptation to latitudinal environmental factors than inshore vs. offshore environments. Our results confirm previous observations of sharp genetic differentiation of the Salish Sea population and isolation by distance along the coast, but also highlight the feasibility of using modern genomic techniques to inform stock boundaries and fisheries management in a low FST marine species.
The World Database for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery: Update:

Following several years of planning and design, the World Database for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery (WDPCHS) went live on January 1, 2017. The first operational year of this valuable database has proven very successful. As of February 28, 2018, more than 4,500 patients have been submitted from 39 centers; participation currently spans 19 countries over 6 continents, with 120 more centers in the enrollment pipeline. This update, the first in a series, is intended to provide World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery members and others who care for children with congenital heart disease with a broad overview of current progress and ongoing activities surrounding the WDPCHS.
Interplay between video recommendations, categories, and popularity on YouTube

YouTube is one of the most popular video sharing sites, which allows users to upload, view, rate, share and comment on videos. Three of the many YouTube features, namely, tagging of videos into different categories, their popularity ratings, and video recommendations are notable to promoting users' experience on this site. Therefore, this paper examines the interplay between these features through three research questions. We find that about 40% of the video recommendations come from categories other than that of the original video, with Entertainment being the most preferred cross-linked category; (ii) popularity measures including the number of views and comments strongly impact video recommendations; and (iii) video categorization has a higher influence on video recommendations compared to their popularity ratings. Taken together, these three findings suggest that users should carefully consider the tagging of their videos into the most suitable category when they upload to boost their videos' popularity. This placement is especially critical because YouTube allows only category to be associated with each video.
Vibrationally directed assembly of micro- and nanoparticle-polymer composites

Abstract In this study, we examine directed self-assembly of micro- and nanoparticles on a vibrating substrate as a viable pathway to large-scale assembly of microstructures and composite materials. We demonstrate the vibration-driven assembly of glass bead microparticles and iron oxide nanoparticles in contact with a photocurable hydrogel (PEGDA) over an area of 3000 mm 2 . The competition between acoustic radiation force and vibration-generated fluid flow in a viscous medium above a vibrating plate determines the particle transport characteristics. Based on a suspension balance model of this competition, we find that glass microparticles are dominated by displacement gradients and migrate towards displacement anti-nodes. Iron oxide nanoparticles that are smaller than the characteristic boundary layer generated by the flow will drive particles towards displacement nodes. We find close agreement between the observed experimental results when compared to a numerical solution to the 2D wave equation that governs this case. We also demonstrate that patterns assembled by vibration for glass microparticles or iron oxide nanoparticles dispersed in PEGDA can be immobilized by a UV light, allowing this approach to be used as a fabrication process for heterogeneously structured particle-polymer composites. The composites produced by this technique are robust and can be held by hand for application to tunable material properties for applications to bioelectronics and soft robotics. This work has been selected by the Editors as a Featured Cover Article for this issue.
Are you African or African-American? Exploring the Identity Experiences of Female STEM Students Born in Africa Now Living in America

Amongst the participants of a qualitative study of Black female students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) were two individuals who were born on the African continent. These students moved to the United States at a young age and are now United States citizens—one pursuing a graduate degree and the other an undergraduate degree, both in a STEM field. This brief case study will explore the thoughts of the two students with regard to how they, despite being typically underrepresented in STEM in the United States, (1) describe their experiences as college students; (2) come to view themselves in the African-American community in the United States; and (3) compare to Black students who were born in the United States or are international students from Africa. Using their own words, this article explains how their African heritage has shaped their development as STEM students and solidified their place in a STEM education program in the United States. These students are uniquely positioned to understand both an African and African-American perspective. Their insights can help to illuminate how the United States can attract and retain African as well as African-American students in the fields of STEM, and extend that knowledge to other variations of ethnicity and experience.
FAQ: Evaluation of Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding

Postmenopausal bleeding is the most common symptom of endometrial cancer and always requires work-up. If a woman is using sequential hormone therapy, she may have monthly bleeding, which is expected. Most postmenopausal women using hormone therapy are on continuous regimens and do not have vaginal bleeding. The risk of endometrial cancer is reduced, but not absent, with the addition of progesterone.
Prediction of particleboard mechanical properties at various moisture contents

For this study, urea-bonded particleboards with three resin levels and three specific gravity values were made in the laboratory. Specimens for modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and internal bond strength tests were conditioned at 14 relative humidity values over the range 13–97 per cent. Results for the three mechanical properties were fitted to cubic equations in moisture content with a high degree of accuracy (correlation coefficients of over 0.99 in most cases).
Grundlagen zur Bewertung von Energiesystemen

Das Ziel der Bewertung von Energiesystemen besteht in einem moglichst umfassenden Vergleich zwischen verschiedenen regenerativen Energiesystemen untereinander sowie zwischen regenerativen und konventionellen Energiesystemen. Die Gegenuberstellung verschiedener Umwandlungstechnologien ist problembehaftet. Es existieren zwar zahlreiche Bewertungskriterien, diese liefern aber nicht immer objektive Ergebnisse. Haufig werden ungeeignete Vergleichsmethoden verwendet oder einzelne Vergleichsparameter zusammenhangslos hervorgehoben. Eine vergleichende Betrachtung kann lediglich zwischen Technologien vorgenommen werden, die die gleiche Art von End- bzw. Nutzenergie bereitstellen, wie elektrische Energie oder Warme.
Nurse Educators' use of Lecture and Active Learning

Abstract The results of numerous studies suggest that by using active learning strategies educators can improve student learning outcomes. We asked 536 nurse educators teaching in prelicensure programs to estimate the extent that they integrate active learning strategies into their courses. There were no relationships identified between the estimated extent of active learning use and program National Council Licensure Examination pass rates.
Simplified Algorithms for Canonical Polyadic Decomposition for Over-Complete Even Order Tensors (Ongoing Work)

This paper considers canonical polyadic (CP) decomposition of symmetric even order tensors. In earlier work, we showed that decomposition of such tensors is equivalent to solving a system of quadratic equations. As part of ongoing work, we further show that for almost all tensors, singular value decomposition of a certain matrix can uniquely obtain the solution to the system of quadratic equations. Our proposed algorithm is able to find the CP-decomposition, even in the regime where the CP-rank exceeds the dimensions of the tensor (overcomplete tensors).
Auto-adjustable Bra for Women with a Pronounced Alteration in Breast Volume

The auto-adjustable bra combines new technologies such as soft robotics, computational design, and e-textiles to develop a bra which uses a pneumatic system to compensate severe asymmetries in breast volume (Anisomastia). In the present work, the bra aims to adjust to the measurements of a woman's breasts through air channels which are located in the internal mesh of the bra cup. This inflatable structure gives a balance in the breasts' volume while holding them. Furthermore, the conductive fabric which covers the bra cup works as a sensor to control the air injection system by comparing the fabric's resistance in both bra cups to send a signal to the air pump to stop the air injection. Thus, the bra keeps in shape and the air pump is disengaged. The project could have a global impact on women with Anisomastia by raising their self-esteem, recovering their emotional balance, and possibly enhancing their social and sexual relationships.
A Rhesus Monkey With a Naturally Occurring Impairment of Disparity Vergence. I. Behavioral Comparisons to Vergence in a Normal Animal.

Purpose Human children with disorders affecting vergence eye movements have difficulty during close work, such as reading. Patients with convergence insufficiency show a receded near point and an exophoria that is greater at near than at far. Neurologic abnormalities may underlie these symptoms, but it is difficult to test this idea directly because there is no animal model for this disorder. In the present case report, we describe behavioral testing in a rhesus monkey with a naturally occurring impairment of vergence eye movements (monkey CI). Methods Three monkeys were trained to perform a variety of oculomotor tasks that required saccades, vergence, and/or smooth tracking of a visual target moving in depth. Results Two of the monkeys (N1 and N2) were able to perform these tasks correctly. The third, monkey CI, was able to correctly perform these tasks when the required vergence angle was ≤5° but had difficulty when the task required larger convergence. This animal showed a consistent exodeviation that worsened as the target drew closer. When a variable prism was used to test disparity vergence in monkey CI, the animal showed an unstable convergence response (maximum 6°) that increased with prism correction, up to 12 prism diopters. By comparison, monkey N1 was able to achieve stable, appropriate convergence up to 26 prism diopters. Monkey CI's performance on vergence tasks improved when a large-field random checkerboard pattern was used to provide additional depth cues. Conclusions Monkey CI appears to have a naturally occurring disorder of vergence eye movements.
Radiology Education in the 21st Century: Threats and Opportunities

Over the past 25 years, radiology has seen tremendous growth in interpretive demands, including increasing imaging volumes and shorter turnaround times, as well as increased noninterpretive demands often targeting value-adding opportunities. These mounting pressures have led to increased burnout among radiologists nationwide and, in the academic setting, have begun to threaten the core educational mission. Despite these threats, radiology has also proven itself over the years to be a leader when it comes to innovation, and as such, no other field is better suited to confront these challenges with innovative solutions. This article explores the impact these workload trends have had on radiology education and educators, as well as opportunities to confront these challenges.
Estimating Uncertainty Aversion Using the Source Method in Stylized Tasks with Varying Degrees of Uncertainty

Abstract The source method provides a tractable way to analyze uncertainty aversion using source functions. In this analytical framework, uncertainty aversion is defined using the index of pessimism and the index of likelihood insensitivity. The focus of this paper is to use the source method to examine how uncertainty aversion differs across events that have the same underlying objective probabilities but are presented under varying degrees of uncertainty. In a controlled laboratory setting, subjects are presented with three lottery tasks that are ranked in order of increasing uncertainty. Given the choices observed in each task, a “source function” is estimated jointly with risk attitudes assuming Rank-Dependent Utility Theory under different probability weighting specifications for the source function. Results from the Prelec (Prelec (1998)) specification suggest that, as the degree of uncertainty increases, subjects display increasing pessimism; in contrast, the Tversky-Kahneman (Tversky-Kahneman (1992)) and the Power specifications detect no such difference. Thus, conclusions regarding uncertainty aversion are contingent upon which probability weighting specification is assumed for the source function, and caution should be taken when selecting specifications for the source function.
A Distribution Network Model Management Scheme with High Trusted Two-way Encryption Authentication

The stolen or modified data transmission between the primary station and the terminal in the distribution network automation communication system will have a great impact on the security of the entire distribution network, and the large-scale distribution network encrypts the communication data between the primary station and the terminal. Efficiency puts higher demands. Based on the national network adjustment [2011] No. 168 document and the current distribution network security protection scheme, a high-reliability automated distribution network model management scheme based on two-way encryption authentication technology is proposed. Solve the problem that the uplink data of the terminal is not credible due to the single authentication between the primary station and the terminal in the current distribution network protection scheme. Compared with the current distribution network, the proposed scheme integrates the network layer and the application layer, unified key management, and implements a low-latency, highly trusted two-way encryption authentication mechanism for data transmission between the primary station and the terminal. It is the first in China.
Semantic segmentation of point clouds of building interiors with deep learning: Augmenting training datasets with synthetic BIM-based point clouds

Abstract This paper investigates the viability of using synthetic point clouds generated from building information models (BIMs) to train deep neural networks to perform semantic segmentation of point clouds of building interiors. In order to achieve these goals, this paper first presents a procedure for converting digital 3D BIMs into synthetic point clouds using three commercially available software systems. Then the generated synthetic point clouds are used to train a deep neural network. Semantic segmentation performance is compared for several models trained on: real point clouds, synthetic point clouds, and combinations of real and synthetic point clouds. A key finding is the 7.1% IOU boost in performance achieved when a small real point cloud dataset is augmented by synthetic point clouds for training, as compared to training the classifier on the real data alone. The experimental results confirmed the viability of using synthetic point clouds generated from building information models in combination with small datasets of real point clouds. This opens up the possibility of developing a segmentation model for building interiors that can be applied to as-built modeling of buildings that contain unseen indoor structures.
Quetiapine for delirium prophylaxis in high-risk critically ill patients

Abstract Background Delirium is common in patients admitted to the surgical trauma intensive care unit (ICU), and the risk factors for these patients differ from medical patients. Given the morbidity and mortality associated with delirium, efforts to prevent it may improve patient outcomes, but previous efforts pharmacologically have been limited by side effects and insignificant results. We hypothesized that scheduled quetiapine could reduce the incidence of delirium in this population. Methods The study included 71 adult patients who were at high-risk for the development of delirium (PRE-DELIRIC Score ≥50%, history of dementia, alcohol misuse, or drug abuse). Patients were randomized to receive quetiapine 12.5 mg every 12 h for delirium or no pharmacologic prophylaxis within 48 h of admission to the ICU. The primary end point was the incidence of delirium during admission to the ICU. Secondary end points included time to onset of delirium, ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS), ICU and hospital mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, and adverse events. Results The incidence of delirium during admission to the ICU was 45.5% (10/22) in the quetiapine group and 77.6% (38/49) in the group that did not receive pharmacological prophylaxis. The mean time to onset of delirium was 1.4 days for those who did not receive prophylaxis versus 2.5 days for those who did (p = 0.06). The quetiapine group significantly reduced ventilator duration from 8.2 days to 1.5 days (p = 0.002). Conclusions The findings suggested that scheduled, low-dose quetiapine is effective in preventing delirium in high-risk, surgical trauma ICU patients.
Clinico-pathologic characteristics and outcomes of the World Health Organization (WHO) provisional entity de novo acute myeloid leukemia with mutated RUNX1.

We studied the characteristics of the provisional category de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with mutated RUNX1 (AML-RUNX1mut) proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Until now, most published studies have combined de novo and secondary AML-RUNX1mut. We compared the clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes of WHO-defined de novo AML-RUNX1mut with de novo AML without RUNX1 alterations (AML-RUNX1wt). We performed sequential NGS to assess RUNX1 mutation stability over disease course. We identified 46 de novo AML-RUNX1mut patients [32 (70%) men, 14 (30%) women; median age, 66.5 years] with 54 RUNX1 mutations [median VAF, 32% (2–97%)]. Point mutations clustered within the runt-homology-domain and frame-shift mutations within the transactivation domain. Compared with AML-RUNX1wt, AML-RUNX1mut showed male predominance (p = 0.02), higher frequency of SRSF2 (p = 0.02), and ASXL1 (p = 0.0004) mutations and normal karyotype (p = 0.01), and absent NPM1 mutations (p = 0.0002). De novo AML-RUNX1mut showed no significant difference in overall survival (OS) compared with AML-RUNX1wt (median: 26 vs. 32 months) (p = 0.71). AML-RUNX1mut with clonal RUNX1 mutation (≥20% VAF) had shorter OS than subclonal <20% VAF (23 months vs. undefined; p = 0.04). However, the difference was not significant when compared with AML-RUNX1wt (23 vs. 32 months; p = 0.23). No significant OS difference was noted between de novo AML-RUNX1mut and AML-NOS-RUNX1wt. By sequential multigene mutation profiling, RUNX1 mutation disappeared at relapse in one of ten patients. Overall, the findings support separate categorization of this entity. However, there is no significant outcome difference compared with AML-RUNX1wt.
Correction to: hPSC-derived organoids: models of human development and disease.

The article hPSC-derived organoids: models of human development and disease, written by Tristan Frum and Jason R. Spence, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 28 August 2020 without open access.
Time-Series Variation in the Efficacy of Executive Risk-Taking Incentives: The Role of Uncertainty

Prior research establishes that boards of directors can encourage risk-averse managers to take risky actions by providing stock options and severance pay. We demonstrate that the ability of these incentives to encourage risk-taking hinges on the level of uncertainty facing the manager, and that the level of uncertainty varies across time. We confirm prior findings that stock option convexity encourages risk-taking, but find that this relation only holds when the level of uncertainty is low. We also confirm prior findings that severance pay encourages risk-taking, but find that this relation only holds when the level of uncertainty is high. Finally, we find that compensation committees respond to uncertainty by adjusting the level of option compensation. Overall, our results suggest that the effectiveness of incentives to take risk varies with the level of uncertainty facing the manager, and that boards consider this in annual compensation design.
Effects of alfalfa and alfalfa-grass mixtures with nitrogen fertilization on dry matter yield and forage nutritive value

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an important forage legume grown in Kansas, USA and its productivity with cool-season grasses however is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the dry matter yield (DMY) and forage nutritive value of alfalfa-grass mixtures compared to those of alfalfa and grasses grown in monoculture with and without nitrogen fertilization. Three different alfalfa varieties were planted (reduced-lignin alfalfa, Roundup Ready, and conventional alfalfa) and two kinds of cool-season grasses (smooth brome, Bro mus inermis Leyss, and tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea Schreb) were planted as a mono culture or in alfalfa-grass mixtures. Nitrogen fertilizer (urea) was applied at green-up at a rate of 56 kg/ha and after the second cutting at a rate of 56 kg/ha in 2016 and 2017, respectively. and control treatments received no nitrogen. DMY was significantly higher in monoculture al falfa and alfalfa-grass mixtures than in grass monocultures. Between alfalfa monoculture and alfalfa-grass mixtures, no significant differences in DMY were found. For all treatments, nitro gen application significantly increased DMY compared to the control. In 2016 and 2017, the low-lignin alfalfa monoculture had the lowest acid detergent fiber (ADF) and the grass mono cultures had the highest ADF. In 2016 and 2017, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in smooth bromegrass and tall fescue was higher than in other species treatments. A low-lignin alfalfa monoculture had significantly lower NDF concentration compared to alfalfa-grass mixtures. When averaged over 2016 and 2017, relative feed value (RFV) was highest in low-lignin al falfa and lowest in the grass monocultures. In both years, nitrogen fertilizer application did not affect nutritive values.
The Dfam community resource of transposable element families, sequence models, and genome annotations

Dfam is an open access database of repetitive DNA families, sequence models, and genome annotations. The 3.0–3.3 releases of Dfam ( https://dfam.org ) represent an evolution from a proof-of-principle collection of transposable element families in model organisms into a community resource for a broad range of species, and for both curated and uncurated datasets. In addition, releases since Dfam 3.0 provide auxiliary consensus sequence models, transposable element protein alignments, and a formalized classification system to support the growing diversity of organisms represented in the resource. The latest release includes 266,740 new de novo generated transposable element families from 336 species contributed by the EBI. This expansion demonstrates the utility of many of Dfam’s new features and provides insight into the long term challenges ahead for improving de novo generated transposable element datasets.
Abstract P023: Leukocyte Count, Adiposity And Incident Diabetes In A Biracial Cohort

Background: Diabetes is one the costliest diseases in the U.S, and excess inflammation associates with greater diabetes risk. Greater adiposity is associated with higher leukocyte count, but the in...
Learning to Perceive Objects for Autonomous Navigation

Current machine perception techniques that typically use segmentation followed by object recognition lack the required robustness to cope with the large variety of situations encountered in real-world navigation. Many existing techniques are brittle in the sense that even minor changes in the expected task environment (e.g., different lighting conditions, geometrical distortion, etc.) can severely degrade the performance of the system or even make it fail completely. In this paper we present a system that achieves robust performance by using local reinforcement learning to induce a highly adaptive mapping from input images to segmentation strategies for successful recognition. This is accomplished by using the confidence level of model matching as reinforcement to drive learning. Local reinforcement learning gives rises to better improvement in recognition performance. The system is verified through experiments on a large set of real images of traffic signs.
Ordering Power: Contentious Politics and the Struggle for Democratization

Introduction One of the central messages of this book has been that patterns of contentious politics profoundly shape the initial foundations of authoritarian Leviathans. Contentious politics also profoundly shapes authoritarian Leviathans’ ultimate fates , when political crises call their continuing survival into question. When swarms of ordinary people team up with pivotal sets of elites to challenge an authoritarian regime in the streets of a capital city, a seemingly stable dictatorship can fall victim to a “democratic revolution” in what superficially appears to be a stunningly short span of time. To be sure, democratic revolutions are neither necessary nor sufficient for a democratic transition to take place. Democratization can occur through an authoritarian regime's electoral defeat or internal splintering, both of which are made more likely by severe economic crisis – and democratic uprisings are as likely to end in authoritarian crackdowns as democratic transitions. Yet the emergence of a cross-class urban protest movement, willing to risk repression by confronting a dictatorship's coercive apparatus at a polity's geographic and symbolic center, serves as the most powerful stimulant for an authoritarian retreat. Even when a dictatorship suffers a shocking defeat at the polls or devastating defections from its inner ranks, it can take massive cross-class democratic mobilization to push a wobbly regime over the political precipice. In fact, it is often the rise of such a movement that makes a dictatorship lose an election or suffer worsening dissension among ruling elites in the first place.
12-Lipoxygenase Metabolites of Arachidonic Acid Mediate Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor-Dependent Long-Term Depression at Hippocampal CA3-CA1 Synapses

Arachidonic acid metabolites have been proposed as signaling molecules in hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) for >15 years. However, the functional role of these molecules remains controversial. Here we used a multidisciplinary biochemical, electrophysiological, and genetic approach to examine the function of the 12-lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid in long-term synaptic plasticity at CA3-CA1 synapses. We found that the 12-lipoxygenase pathway is required for the induction of metabotropic glutamate receptor-dependent LTD (mGluR-LTD), but is not required for LTP: (1) Hippocampal homogenates were capable of synthesizing the 12-lipoxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid, 12(S)-hydroxyeicosa-5Z,8Z,10E,14Z-tetraenoic acid (HETE). (2) Stimulation protocols that induce mGluR-LTD lead to a release of 12-(S)-HETE from acute hippocampal slices. (3) A mouse in which the leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase (the neuronal isoform) was deleted through homologous recombination was deficient in mGluR-LTD, but showed normal LTP. (4) Pharmacological inhibition of 12-lipoxygenase also blocked induction of mGluR-LTD. (5) Finally, direct application of 12(S)-HPETE, but not 15(S)-HPETE, to hippocampal slices induced a long-term depression of synaptic transmission that mimicked and occluded mGluR-LTD induced by synaptic stimulation. Thus, 12(S)-hydroperoxyeicosa-5Z, 8Z, 10E, 14Z-tetraenoic acid (12(S)-HPETE), a 12-lipoxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid, satisfies all of the criteria of a messenger molecule that is actively recruited for the induction of mGluR-LTD.
The Strong Perfect Graph Conjecture

A graph is perfect if, in all its induced subgraphs, the size of a largest clique is equal to the chromatic number. Examples of perfect graphs include bipartite graphs, line graphs of bipartite graphs and the complements of such graphs. These four classes of perfect graphs will be called basic. In 1960, Berge formulated two conjectures about perfect graphs, one stronger than the other. The weak perfect graph conjecture, which states that a graph is perfect if and only if its complement is perfect, was proved in 1972 by Lovasz. This result is now known as the perfect graph theorem. The strong perfect graph conjecture (SPGC) states that a graph is perfect if and only if it does not contain an odd hole or its complement. The SPGC has attracted a lot of at- tention. It was proved recently (May 2002) in a remarkable sequence of results by Chudnovsky, Robertson, Seymour and Thomas. The proof is difficult and, as of this writing, they are still checking the details. Here we give a flavor of the proof. Let us call Berge graph a graph that does not contain an odd hole or its complement. Conforti, Cornuejols, Robertson, Seymour, Thomas and Vuyskovic (2001) conjectured a structural property of Berge graphs that implies the SPGC: Every Berge graph G is basic or has a skew partition or a homogeneous pair, or G or its complement has a 2-join. A skew partition is a partition of the vertices into nonempty sets A, B, C, D such that every vertex of A is adjacent to every vertex of B and there is no edge between C and D. Chvatal introduced this concept in 1985 and conjectured that no minimally imperfect graph has a skew partition. This conjecture was proved recently by Chudnovsky and Seymour (May 2002). Cornuejols and Cunningham intro- duced 2-joins in 1985 and showed that they cannot occur in a minimally im- perfect graph different from an odd hole. Homogeneous pairs were introduced in 1987 by Chvatal and Sbihi, who proved that they cannot occur in mini- mally imperfect graphs. Since skew partitions, 2-joins and homogeneous pairs cannot occur in minimally imperfect Berge graphs, the structural property of Berge graphs stated above implies the SPGC. This structural property was proved: (i) When G contains the line graph of a bipartite subdivision of a 3- connected graph (Chudnovsky, Robertson, Seymour and Thomas (September 2001)); (ii) When G contains a stretcher (Chudnovsky and Seymour (January
SPECT dual-energy-window Compton correction : Scatter multiplier required for quantification

The dual-energy window Compton-scattering correction technique is defined here especially for accurate quantification of focal regions having higher than average uptake. The quantification is relative to a known-activity reference source. The scatter multiplier ("k" value) is determined for a radioactive 99mTc sphere on or off the axis of a cylinder containing water with or without background. Both maximum likelihood and filtered-backprojection reconstruction are employed. Either projections or tomograms are corrected. With tight regions of interest, there is a tendency for the requisite "k" value to be slightly lower as the diameter of the cylinder is increased. Neither sphere location nor background perturbs "k", however, so a constant value is a good, first approximation. Then a two-sphere validation test yields an accuracy of 8% with subtracted-tomograms ("k" = 1.30) and 2% with subtracted-projections ("k" = 1.20). With a reference-source region of interest which is four times larger, "k" is reduced and also now depends on background. Although equivalent quantitatively, maximum likelihood is preferable to filtered backprojection with Chang attenuation correction since it produces a less-noisy image.
The 'Mobius cubes': improved cubelike networks for parallel computation

The Mobius cubes are created, by rearranging in a systematic manner, some of the edges of a hypercube. This rearrangement results in smaller distances between processors; where distance is the number of communication links which must be traversed. The authors show that the n-dimensional Mobius cubes have a diameter of about n/2 and expected distance of about n/3. These distances are a considerable savings over the diameter of n and expected distance of n/2 for the n-dimensional hypercube. The authors show that the Mobius cubes have a slightly more complicated algorithm than the hypercube. While the asymmetry of the Mobius cubes may give rise to communications bottlenecks, they report preliminary experiments showing the bottle necks are not significant. They compare their Mobius cubes to other variants and indicate some advantages for the Mobius cubes. >
Human Nature: A Critical Reader

Human Nature:. Critical Reader. Laura Betzig. ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 1996. 489 pp.
Molecular characterization of brown carbon (BrC) chromophores in secondary organic aerosol generated from photo-oxidation of toluene

Atmospheric brown carbon (BrC) is a significant contributor to light absorption and climate forcing. However, little is known about a fundamental relationship between the chemical composition of BrC and its optical properties. In this work, light-absorbing secondary organic aerosol (SOA) was generated in the PNNL chamber from toluene photo-oxidation in the presence of NOx (Tol-SOA). Molecular structures of BrC components were examined using nanospray desorption electrospray ionization (nano-DESI) and liquid chromatography (LC) combined with UV/Vis spectroscopy and electrospray ionization (ESI) high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The chemical composition of BrC chromophores and the light absorption properties of toluene SOA (Tol-SOA) depend strongly on the initial NOx concentration. Specifically, Tol-SOA generated under high-NOx conditions (defined here as initial NOx/toluene of 5/1) appears yellow and mass absorption coefficient of the bulk sample (MACbulk@365 nm = 0.78 m(2) g(-1)) is nearly 80 fold higher than that measured for the Tol-SOA sample generated under low-NOx conditions (NOx/toluene < 1/300). Fifteen compounds, most of which are nitrophenols, are identified as major BrC chromophores responsible for the enhanced light absorption of Tol-SOA material produced in the presence of NOx. The integrated absorbance of these fifteen chromophores accounts for 40-60% of the total light absorbance by Tol-SOA at wavelengths between 300 nm and 500 nm. The combination of tandem LC-UV/Vis-ESI/HRMS measurements provides an analytical platform for predictive understanding of light absorption properties by BrC and their relationship to the structure of individual chromophores. General trends in the UV/Vis absorption by plausible isomers of the BrC chromophores were evaluated using theoretical chemistry calculations. The molecular-level understanding of BrC chemistry is helpful for better understanding the evolution and behavior of light absorbing aerosols in the atmosphere.
Ipilimumab-associated colitis or refractory Clostridium difficile infection?

We present a case of a patient with a diagnostic dilemma who was referred for possible faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for refractory diarrhoea secondary to Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). On detailed history, the patient was exposed to ipilimumab concomitantly while being treated for CDI, and was instead diagnosed with diarrhoea secondary to superimposed ipilimumab-associated colitis. Ipilimumab is an anti-CTLA4 monoclonal antibody approved for use in metastatic melanoma and under trial for other indications. Ipilimumab is associated with several immune-related adverse effects, of which diarrhoea and colitis are the most common. While FMT has shown tremendous efficacy in managing recurrent and refractory CDI, it was not offered in this case due to negative C. difficile testing showing a high degree of suspicion for ipilimumab-associated colitis due to recent drug use. Our patient was successfully managed with fluid resuscitation and steroids, and remains symptom free at last follow-up at 9 months.
Monitoring intra ocular pressure in glaucoma: current recommendations and emerging cutting-edge technologies

Measurements of intraocular pressure (IOP) are crucial to the diagnosis and management of glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Goldmann applanation tonometry remains the gold standard in obtaining IOP measurements, but is limited by its inability to obtain measurements outside of the clinical setting or account for diurnal variations in pressures. This review focuses on existing technologies available for measuring diurnal shifts in IOP at home, including portable tonometers and other temporary and permanent devices for continuous IOP monitoring using telemetry. We discuss the deficiencies of home tonometry technologies and present recent advances in telemetry technology that could revolutionize the ability to monitor IOP response to glaucoma therapy.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Secrete Multiple Cytokines That Promote Angiogenesis and Have Contrasting Effects on Chemotaxis and Apoptosis

We have previously shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) improve function upon integration in ischemic myocardium. We examined whether specific cytokines and growth factors produced by MSCs are able to affect angiogenesis, cellular migration and apoptosis. Conditioned media (CM) was prepared by culturing MSC for 48 hours. CM displayed significantly elevated levels of VEGF, Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), MIP-1β and monokine induced by IFN-γ (MIG) compared to control media. MSC contained RNA for these factors as detected by RT-PCR. CM was able to induce angiogenesis in canine vascular endothelial cells. MCP-1 and MIP-1α increased cell migration of MSC while VEGF reduced it. H9c2 cells treated with CM under hypoxic conditions for 24 hours displayed a 16% reduction in caspase-3 activity compared to controls. PI 3-kinase γ inhibitor had no effect on controls but reversed the effect of CM on caspase-3 activity. MCP-1 alone mimicked the protective effect of CM while the PI 3-Kγ inhibitor did not reverse the effect of MCP-1. CM reduced phospho-BAD (Ser112) and phospho-Akt (Ser473) while increasing phospho-Akt (Thr308). MCP-1 reduced the level of phospho-Akt (Ser473) while having no effect on the other two; the PI 3-Kγ inhibitor did not alter the MCP-1 effect. ERK 1/2 phosphorylation was reduced in CM treated H9c2 cells, and inhibition of ERK 1/2 reduced the phosphorylation of Akt (Ser473), Akt (Thr308) and Bad (Ser112). In conclusion, MSC synthesize and secrete multiple paracrine factors that are able to affect MSC migration, promote angiogenesis and reduce apoptosis. While both MCP-1 and PI3-kinase are involved in the protective effect, they are independent of each other. It is likely that multiple pro-survival factors in addition to MCP-1 are secreted by MSC which act on divergent intracellular signaling pathways.
Transcriptional up-regulation of the human androgen receptor by androgen in bone cells.

Androgen regulation of androgen receptor (AR) expression has been observed in a variety of tissues, generally as inhibition, and is thought to attenuate cellular responses to androgen. AR is expressed in osteoblasts, the bone-forming cell, suggesting direct actions of androgens on bone. Here we characterized the effect of androgen exposure on AR gene expression in human osteoblastic SaOS-2 and U-2 OS cells. Treatment of osteoblastic cells with the nonaromatizable androgen 5α-dihydrotestosterone increased AR steady state messenger RNA levels in a time- and dose-dependent fashion. Reporter assays with 2.3 kilobases of the proximal 5′-flanking region of the human AR promoter linked to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene in transfected cultures showed that up-regulation of AR promoter activity by androgen was time and dose dependent. Treatment with other steroid hormones, including progesterone, 17β-estradiol, and dexamethasone, was without effect. The antiandrogen hydroxyflutamide completely antagoniz...