cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Region-level Active Learning for Cluttered Scenes.

Active learning for object detection is conventionally achieved by applying techniques developed for classification in a way that aggregates individual detections into image-level selection criteria. This is typically coupled with the costly assumption that every image selected for labelling must be exhaustively annotated. This yields incremental improvements on well-curated vision datasets and struggles in the presence of data imbalance and visual clutter that occurs in real-world imagery. Alternatives to the image-level approach are surprisingly under-explored in the literature. In this work, we introduce a new strategy that subsumes previous Image-level and Object-level approaches into a generalized, Region-level approach that promotes spatial-diversity by avoiding nearby redundant queries from the same image and minimizes context-switching for the labeler. We show that this approach significantly decreases labeling effort and improves rare object search on realistic data with inherent class-imbalance and cluttered scenes.
The virtual principles for simple beams

The beam in one plane is regarded as a simple beam. Take the particular case in Figure 2.1 with forces in the y − z plane only and bending moments about the χ;-axis only. See Figure 4.1 for the notation and loading for the simple beam. From Equations (1.93) and (2.32) the stress, strain, and displacement relations for the beam in Figure 4.1 are
Some Basic Properties of Antennas Associated with Ultrawideband Radiation

The purpose of this paper is to present in a tutorial fashion some of the fundamental properties and characteristics of antenna elements that are responsible for very broadband or ultrawideband (UWB) behavior. Before selecting, designing, or analyzing UWB radiators, one must understand the how and the why of the broadband nature of antenna elements that are thought to be UWB. In an ideal situation, when excited by an UWB input signal, an UWB antenna should be capable of radiating a distortionless and diminutive replica of that signal. Although UWB signals come in two broad classes, temporally short and long pulses like the single-cycle sine and linear FM, respectively, short-pulse signals are sufficient for characterizing UWB antennas.
Transcriptional Control of the Human Apolipoprotein B Gene in Cell Culture and in Transgenic Animals.

Publisher Summary Transcriptional Control of the Human Apolipoprotein B Gene in Cell Culture and in This chapter discusses the recent progress in three major areas of work, with the apolipoprotein B (apo-B) gene— namely, mapping regulatory elements required for hepatic and intestinal expression of the human apo-B gene, using cell-culture models; ascertaining the functions of these regulatory elements in the expression of the apo-B gene in vivo, using transgenic mice; and using this knowledge to generate transgenic mice that overproduce human apo-B, to test its role in atherogenesis. Apo-B is the major and perhaps the sole protein component of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) that play a central role in the metabolism and transport of cholesterol. Apo-B is the ligand responsible for the uptake and clearance of low-density lipoproteins from the circulation via the LDL receptor pathway (1-3) . The delivery of LDL to its receptor and the ensuing catabolism regulate cellular cholesterol biosynthesis. Thus, apo-B and the LDL receptor are crucial to cholesterol homeostasis, and deficiencies in either protein may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Phylogenetic utility of the first two introns of the S7 ribosomal protein gene in African electric fishes (Mormyroidea: Teleostei) and congruence with other molecular markers

A series of recent molecular systematic studies of the African electric fishes (Mormyroidea) have challenged many aspects of their traditional taxonomy and precladistic hypotheses of their phylogeny. However, poor resolution of some interrelationships within the subfamily Mormyrinae in these studies highlights the need for additional data and analyses. Here we evaluate the phylogenetic information content of nucleotide sequences from the first two introns of the low-copy nuclear S7 ribosomal protein gene in 40 mormyroid species. Alignment of S7 sequences from 38 taxa within the subfamily Mormyrinae is non-problematic, but these are difficult to align with sequences of Petrocephalus bovei (Petrocephalinae) and Gymnarchus niloticus (Gymnarchidae), which we exclude from our analysis. There are no significant differences in base frequencies among these sequences and base compositional bias is low. Maximum parsimony (MP) analysis on the S7 dataset, designating Myomyrus macrops as the outgroup, generates a phylogenetic hypothesis for these taxa with a low level of homoplasy (RI = 0.87). We examine agreement between the S7 data with previously published mitochondrial (12S/16S, cytochrome b) and nuclear (rag 2) datasets for the same taxa by means of incongruence length difference tests and partitioned Bremer support (decay) analysis. While we find significant agreement between the S7 dataset and the others, MP analysis of the S7 data alone and in combination with the other datasets indicates two novel relationships within the Mormyrinae: (1) Mormyrus is the sister group to Brienomyrus brachyistius and Isichthys henryi, and (2) Hippopotamyrus pictus is the sister group of a clade, previously recovered, containing Marcusenius senegalensis. S7 data provide additional support for a number of clades recovered in the earlier molecular studies, some of which conflict with current mormyrid taxonomy. Inferred indels and a single inversion in the S7 fragment provide supplemental character support for many of these relationships. These phylogenetic results strengthen recent hypotheses concerning the evolution of electric organ structure in these fishes. The evolutionary characteristics of this nuclear marker and its phylogenetic utility in this group suggests that it could be widely useful for systematic studies at the subfamilial level in teleost fishes. © 2003 The Linnean Society of London. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2003, 78, 273–292.
Imprisonment and crime

Since 1972, the rate of incarceration in U.S. state and federal prisons has increased every year without exception from a rate of 96 prisoners per 100,000 population in 1972 to 504 prisoners per 100,000 in 2008 (BJS, 2008).1 Counting those housed in jails, the nation’s total incarceration rate has surpassed 750 per 100,000 (Liptak, 2008). Accompanying the 40-year increase in imprisonment has been a companion growth in corrections budgets from $9 billion in 1982 to $69 billion in 2006, which is a 660% increase (BJS, 2008). Much research has been done on the effect of this increase in incarceration on crime rates as well as on the social and economic costs of the ensuing fivefold increase in the nation’s imprisonment rate. The point of departure for this article is the recognition that sanction policies that reduce both crime and punishment have the desirable feature of avoiding not only the costs of crime but also the costs of administering punishment. As a theoretical matter, this observation is certainly not new and was recognized at least as long ago as Becker (1968). Of course, the policy question is whether, relative to the status quo, alternative policies exist that can achieve these simultaneous effects. In this article, we argue that it is a realistic possibility that crime, prison costs, and imprisonment numbers can be
Cardio-embolic stroke.

Publisher Summary Cardio-embolic strokes are overall more severe than other subtypes of ischemic stroke, with greater morbidity and mortality. This greater clinical impact is presumably secondary to the association of cardiogenic emboli with occlusion of the large intracranial arteries (for example, the basilar artery, middle cerebral artery, the carotid terminus), resulting in either significant posterior circulation injury (for example, brainstem infarction, large cerebellar infarct with mass effect) or large-territory anterior circulation cortical strokes. The underlying disease processes associated with cardiogenic embolic strokes can be grouped according to the underlying cardiac abnormality: diseases of the left atrium, the atrial septum, the left-sided heart valves (mitral and aortic), or the left ventricle. Approximately half of all cardio-embolic strokes are caused by one specific disease, atrial fibrillation (AF). This chapter highlights the current state of diagnosis and management of AF for the primary and secondary prevention of stroke, and reviews evolving topics such as the association of atrial septal abnormalities (for example, patent foramen ovale) with ischemic stroke. The topic of prosthetic cardiac valve disease is also been reviewed.
Moral Implications of Rational Choice Theories

Rational choice theories assert that human beings behave rationally, either in the narrow sense of rational self-interest, or in the broader sense that decisions are rationally based on preferences. These empirical theories make no direct ethical claims, but they may have relevance to ethics. Social contract theorists have maintained, for example, that rational individuals can assent to a social arrangement that promotes general welfare in some sense. In particular, self-interested business owners can, under the right conditions, rationally consent to regulation. Social choice theorists have argued in a mathematical mode that if we rationally derive social policy from individual preferences, we will adhere to certain ethical norms, perhaps a utilitarian or Rawlsian maximin principle. However, these arguments are based on strong assumptions, particularly with respect to interpersonal incomparability of utilities. Certain rational bargaining procedures, such as Nash bargaining or Raiffa-Kalai-Smorodinsky bargaining, have been shown to lead to outcomes that likewise have ethical content. The former has seen practical application in industry, and the latter results in a minimax relative concession principle similar to that derived by some social contract theorists.
Ultrasmall Single-Crystal Indium Antimonide Nanowires

We report the rational synthesis of ultrasmall indium antimonide (InSb) nanowires down to 4.5 nm diameter. To achieve uniform InSb nanowires, we designed and performed the synthesis via a vapor−liq...
Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of random silver or gold particle arrays on aminodextran‐coated polystyrene beads

Citrate and/or chemically modified aminodextran (Amdex) SERS bands were detected from silver particle-Amdex-polystyrene (PS) beads either as singlets or small clusters, prepared by reaction between aqueous silver nitrate, Amdex-coated PS beads, and aqueous sodium citrate solution. However, citrate on individual silver or gold particles of the same size was not detected with 633-nm excitation. SERS of dyes such as rhodamine 6 G was readily observed on individual silver particles or on the gold beads. Three distinct modes of citrate/modified-Amdex binding to the silver particle-Amdex-PS beads were characterized: (1) exchangeable citrate bound through one or more carboxylate groups—citrate could be washed away with H2O or D2O; displaced by successively greater concentrations of R6G; or squeezed out mechanically by applying the pressure of a second coverslip on top of a droplet of bead suspension; (2) nonexchangeable Amdex bound to silver via a primary alcoholate ion of oxidized, glutaraldehyde-cross-linked Amdex; and (3) nonexchangeable oxidized Amdex bound to silver via carboxylate group(s) but with H/D exchangeable alcohol hydrogen atom. That oxidation of the glucopyranose residues of Amdex on PS beads had taken place by Ag(I) as silver nitrate in aqueous solution to split out carboxylate groups was first identified from their characteristic vibrational modes in the SERS spectra of colloidal silver suspensions. Minimum amplification factors for (R6G on Ag)/(R6G on Au) with 633-nm excitation were estimated as 1 × 1015/1 × 1011. An extra SERS enhancement of about 1000-fold due to multiplicity of metal particles per bead was included. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristic component odors emerge from mixtures after selective adaptation

Humans cannot reliably identify the distinctive characteristic odors of components in mixtures containing more than three compounds. In the present study, we demonstrate that selective adaptation can improve component identification. Characteristic component odors, lost in mixtures, were identifiable after presenting other mixture constituents for a few seconds. In mixtures of vanillin, isopropyl alcohol, l-menthol and phenethyl alcohol, this rapid selective adaptation unmasked each component. We suggest that these findings relate directly to how olfactory qualities are coded: olfactory receptors do not act as detectors of isolated molecular features, but likely recognize entire molecules closely associated with perceived olfactory qualities or "notes". Rapid and focused activation of a few distinct receptor types may dominate most odor percepts, emphasizing the importance of many dynamic and specific neural signals. An interaction between two fundamental coding strategies, mixture suppression and selective adaptation, with hundreds of potential olfactory notes, explains humans experiencing the appearance and disappearance of identifiable odors against ambient mixture backgrounds.
The Social Outrage Routinization Process in Child Protective Services (CPS) System: A Case Study

In this article we describe how singularly disturbing cases of child maltreatment propelled public child welfare reform in one large northeastern state in the United States. This case analysis demonstrates how these horrific cases set in motion a dynamic that we term the social outrage routinization process and illustrates the key roles played by the media, moral entrepreneurs, the courts and Child Protective Services (CPS) workforce in moving the process forward. The substantial trauma to the CPS workforce is considered as a consequence of the zero tolerance, infinite jeopardy, and punctuated equilibria mechanisms of the routinization process. The implications of this process for CPS policy and research on child maltreatment deaths are discussed.
Aged mice have enhanced endocortical response and normal periosteal response compared with young-adult mice following 1 week of axial tibial compression

With aging, the skeleton may lose its ability to respond to positive mechanical stimuli. We hypothesized that aged mice are less responsive to loading than young-adult mice. We subjected aged (22 months) and young-adult (7 months) BALB/c male mice to daily bouts of axial tibial compression for 1 week and evaluated cortical and trabecular responses using micro–computed tomography (µCT) and dynamic histomorphometry. The right legs of 95 mice were loaded for 60 rest-inserted cycles per day to 8, 10, or 12 N peak force (generating mid-diaphyseal strains of 900 to 1900 µe endocortically and 1400 to 3100 µe periosteally). At the mid-diaphysis, mice from both age groups showed a strong anabolic response on the endocortex (Ec) and periosteum (Ps) [Ec.MS/BS and Ps.MS/BS: loaded (right) versus control (left), p .05). The loading-induced increase in bone formation resulted in increased cortical area in both age groups (loaded versus control, p < .05). In contrast to the strong cortical response, loading only weakly stimulated trabecular bone formation. Serial (in vivo) µCT examinations at the proximal metaphysis revealed that loading caused a loss of trabecular bone in 7-month-old mice, whereas it appeared to prevent bone loss in 22-month-old mice. In summary, 1 week of daily tibial compression stimulated a robust endocortical and periosteal bone-formation response at the mid-diaphysis in both young-adult and aged male BALB/c mice. We conclude that aging does not limit the short-term anabolic response of cortical bone to mechanical stimulation in our animal model. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Experimental investigation of the stress-stretch behavior of EPDM rubber with loading rate effects

Abstract The tensile stress–stretch behavior of an ethylene–propylene–diene terpolymer (EPDM) was experimentally investigated, both in a quasi-static stretching rate range (
Performance of present high charge state ECR ion sources and challenges for next generation sources

Summary form only given. Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) ion sources produce high charge state, intense heavy-ion beams for many high energy and nuclear physics accelerators. Several third generation sources utilizing superconducting magnet structures and gyrotrons operating at frequencies greater than 20 GHz are now in operation. Recent results from the LBNL 28 GHz ECR ion source VENUS include 3000 eµA of O6+ and more than 400 eµA of U33+. New accelerators under design will require even more intense beams and designs for a next generation ECR ion source are being developed. Many years ago, R. Geller predicted that the current of ECR ion sources should scaled as the square of the RF frequency when the magnetic confinement fields are scaled linearly with the frequency1 and this has been shown to hold up to at least 28 GHz. To meet the requirements of the new facilities, next generation ECR ion sources are being designed to operate at roughly 50 GHz with axial magnetic fields up to 7 T and radial fields up to 4 T. This will require advanced magnet structures, perhaps utilizing Nb3Sn and new coil geometries.2 In addition, to couple the short wavelength, high power microwaves into the ECR plasma may require conversion of the gyrotron power to HE11 or gaussian TEM 000 waves prior to being launched into the plasma.
Integration of human papillomavirus type 11 in recurrent respiratory papilloma-associated cancer.

Objectives/Hypothesis: The main objective was to demonstrate that human papillomavirus (HPV) type 11 is an aggressive virus that plays a significant role in the development of laryngeal cancer in patients with a history of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). We have done so by preliminary investigation into the molecular mechanism underlying the malignant transformation of RRP to invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Study Design: An experimental, nonrandomized, retrospective study using tissue specimens from nine patients with a history of RRP that progressed to laryngeal or bronchogenic cancer was performed. Methods: DNA and RNA were extracted from 20 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens from six patients with a history of early onset RRP and laryngeal cancer and from three patients with early onset RRP and bronchogenic cancer. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on DNA to determine the HPV type in each specimen. Reverse-transcriptase PCR specific for virus transcripts was performed on RNA to determine whether the viral genome was integrated into the host genome. Results: HPV-11 but not HPV-6, 16, or 18 was found in all of the laryngeal and bronchogenic cancers in patients with a history of early onset RRP in this study. RNA, sufficiently intact for examination, was obtained from seven patients. Analysis of HPV 11 transcripts revealed integration of the viral genome in three of seven patients. Conclusions: HPV type 6 and 11 are considered low-risk viruses and are not associated with genital cancers, as are HPV types 16 and 18. However, our data suggests that HPV type 11 is an aggressive virus in laryngeal papilloma that should be monitored in patients with RRP.
Feasibility of Sterilizing Emerging Overwintered Boll Weevils with Bait Stations

Overwintered Anthonomus grandis Boheman can be sterilized and egg laying can be greatly reduced in the laboratory by feeding them a diet containing busulfan (1,4-butanediol dimethanesulfonate). A feeding table designed to attract weevils as they emerged from hibernation quarters attracted a small percentage of the total overwintered weevils that were in the field on July 1.
Structural elucidation of the O-antigenic polysaccharide from enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) Escherichia coli O48:H21

The structure of the antigenic O-polysaccharide (O-PS) of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produced by the enterohemorrhagic strain of Escherichia coli O48:H21 (EHEC) has been elucidated. The O-PS obtained by mild acid hydrolysis of the LPS had [α]D +95 (water) and was composed of l-rhamnose (l-Rha), d-galactose (d-Gal), 2-amino-2-deoxy-d-glucose (d-GlcN), 2-amino-2-deoxy-d-galactose (d-GalN), and d-galacturonic acid (d-GalA) (1:1:1:1:1). From the results of methylation analysis, mass spectrometry, 2D NMR, and DOC-PAGE, the O-PS was shown to be a high molecular mass polymer of a repeating pentasaccharide unit having the structure: Figure options Download full-size image Download as PowerPoint slide The d-GalpA non-reducing end groups in the O-PS were partially O-acetylated (∼30%) at the O-2 and O-3 positions and the degree of acetylation was variable from batch to batch cell production.
L-Methylfolate (Deplin®): A New Medical Food Therapy as Adjunctive Treatment for Depression

Edited by Marian W. Roman, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BCThe University of Tennessee, College of Nursing, Knoxville, Tennessee, USAMedical foods are nutritional supplements used to treat disease processes. Sev...
The Role of Learning in Dynamic Portfolio Decisions

This paper analyzes the effect of uncertainty about the mean return on the risky asset on the portfolio decisions of an investor who has a long investment horizon. Building on the earlier work of Detemple (1986), Dothan and Feldman (1986), and Gennotte (1986), it is shown that the possibility of future learning about the mean return on the risky asset induces the investor to take a larger or smaller position in the risky asset than she would if there were no learning, the direction of the effect depending on whether the investor is more or less risk tolerant than the logarithmic investor whose portfolio decisions are unaffected by the possibility of future learning. Numerical calculations show that uncertainty about the mean return on the market portfolio has a significant effect on the portfolio decision of an investor with a 20 year horizon if her assessment of the market risk premium is based solely on the Ibbotson and Sinquefield (1995) data.
The electrocardiogram in hemorrhagic fever

Abstract 1. 1. One hundred forty-seven electrocardiograms from fifty-five cases of hemorrhagic fever taken during the acute stages of the disease and 90 electrocardiograms from seventy-eight cases in the convalescent stage of the disease have been reviewed and correlated with the significant clinical findings. 2. 2. Abnormalities or suggestive abnormalities were noted in one or more tracings of twenty-seven of the fifty-five cases in the acute series. 2.1. (a). Hyperkalemic effect was the most common change noted, since its presence was indicated or suggested in seventeen cases. It was in general related in timing and frequency to the oliguria and resultant azotemia. 2.2. (b). Prolongation of the Q-T interval was noted in eleven cases during oliguria and in four during diuresis. 2.3. (c). Sinus bradycardia was noted in four cases and multiple auricular premature beats in one. The rarity of disturbed impulse formation is surprising in view of the almost constant auricular pathology at autopsy. 2.4. (d). Nonspecific negative T-wave abnormalities, usually mild and transitory, were noted in nine cases. A possible explanation for the relative infrequency of this finding is the influence of concomitant hyperkalemic effect in neutralizing tendencies to T-wave negativity. 2.5. (e). One case each of left and right bundle branch block was noted. The former was probably due to advanced hyperkalemic effect, but a satisfactory explanation is not available for the latter. 2.6. (f). One case of RS-T segment elevation due to uremic pericarditis was observed. 2.7. (g). Electrocardiograms were abnormal in six of the seven fatal cases. Five of the six cases with abnormal tracings showed some evidence of hyperkalemic. In two of these it was advanced. In one case there were multiple auricular premature beats. In two cases there were nonspecific negative T-wave changes, one of which was the only case in the series in which myocarditis was demonstrated at autopsy. Despite the presence of gross right auricular hemorrhage in all cases, significant P-wave abnormalities were not observed. 3. 3. Seven of the seventy-eight cases in the convalescent series showed variations from normal. In four of the seven, the changes were slight and of question-able significance. The other three include one case each of right bundle branch block, auricular fibrillation, and nonspecific but marked T-wave inversions. However, in the last case serial study revealed a definite progression towards normal. Therefore, only two cases in the series provide evidence that permanent electrocardiographic abnormality results from hemorrhagic fever. Even in these it is impossible to be certain that the abnormality did not antedate the illness. In addition, long term follow-up may reveal a return to normal.
Mixed-mode dynamic crack propagation in graded materials under thermo-mechanical loading

Mixed-mode dynamic crack growth behavior in functionally graded materials (FGMs) under thermo-mechanical loading is studied. Asymptotic analysis in conjunction with displacement potentials has been used to develop thermo-mechanical stress fields for a mixed mode propagating crack in a FGM. The shear modulus, mass density, thermal conductivity and coefficient of thermal expansion of the FGM are assumed to vary exponentially along the gradation direction. First, asymptotic temperature fields are derived for an exponential variation of thermal conductivity and later these temperature fields are used in deriving stress fields. Using asymptotic thermo-mechanical stress fields the variation of maximum shear stress, circumferential stress and strain-energy density as a function of temperature around the crack tip are generated. Finally, utilizing the minimum strain-energy density criterion and the maximum circumferential stress criterion, the crack growth direction for various crack-tip speeds, non-homogeneity coefficients and temperature fields are determined.
Adaptive precoding for femtocell interference mitigation

In this paper1, we study interference mitigation in cellular networks with femtocells. We propose to use adaptive distributed beamforming to mitigate downlink interference between femtocell users, known as Home User Equipments (HUEs), and macrocell users, known as Macrocell User Equipments (MUEs). We develop three MEVIO beamforming schemes for interference mitigation that take into account the QoS requirement of femtocell and macrocell clients. These new heterogeneous MIMO precoding strategies improve flexibility in resource provisioning and signaling requirement in response to QoS need. The proposed schemes minimize the interference at the MUE or maximize the throughput at the HUE depending on the network traffic and QoS constraints. We also analyze the MUE mean throughput by applying order statistics theory.
Magnetization Reversal in Ultrathin Films with Monolayer-Scale Surface Roughness.

The intrinsic anisotropy of nominally flat, ultrathin ferromagnetic films typically is augmented by a uniaxial anisotropy at step edges. We report model calculations of hysteresis for such systems with in-plane magnetization and monolayer-scale roughness. The reversal process is a combination of domain nucleation at step edges, expansion of these domains through morphological constrictions, and coherent rotation within domains. The initiation of reversal at well separated step edges can explain the very small coercive fields measured for real ultrathin magnetic films. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Vertical prisms. Why avoid them

Vertical prisms are useful in the permanent or temporary alleviation of asthenopic symptoms arising from a vertical misalignment of the visual axes. A wide variety of both comitant and noncomitant hyperdeviations may be candidates for vertical prism use. Vertical prism strength is seldom difficult to compute and when properly employed, vertical prisms do not lead to unsightly spectacles.
Nature versus Nurture: Identical Twins and Bariatric Surgery

Genetics and environment both play a role in weight maintenance. Twin studies may help clarify the influence of nature vs nurture in weight loss. We present the largest U.S. experience with monozygotic (MZ) twins undergoing bariatric surgery. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of four sets of MZ twins who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) surgery and laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) placement at three different institutions. BMI and co-morbidities were examined pre- and postoperatively, and laboratory values were recorded. All four sets of twins are female, live together, and have similar professions. Twin cohort 1 had near identical weight loss patterns after open RYGBP surgery in 1996 (preop 146/142 kg; 2 years 82/82; and 10 years 108/107). Twin cohort 1 also both underwent cholecystectomies within the first year postoperatively. Twin cohort 2 underwent laparoscopic RYGBP surgery and also required cholecystectomies in the first postoperative year. Cohort 2 also experienced nearly identical weight loss at 1 year (36.7% vs 37.0% BMI loss). Twin cohort 3 underwent LAGB placement with two different surgeons with differing amounts of weight loss at 6 months (6.5% vs 15.7% BMI loss). Finally, twin cohort 4 underwent laparoscopic RYGBP with 2-year BMI loss of 39% vs 34%. In twin cohort 4, the twin who lost less weight lived apart from her twin and extended family, and her weight loss was less than the twin living with her family. Two sets of MZ twins had identical responses to bariatric surgery. The other two sets of identical twins had differential weight loss results, possibly due to differences in surgical approach and social support. While genetics do exert a strong influence on weight loss and maintenance, this case series demonstrates the potential effect of social support and postoperative management upon postoperative weight loss in the presence of identical genetics.
Role of glutamine in immunologic responses

Glutamine has traditionally been thought of as a nonessential amino acid, but laboratory and clinical data suggests that it may be essential during certain inflammatory conditions, such as infection and injury. Glutamine is a necessary nutrient for cell proliferation, serves as a specific fuel for inflammatory cells and enterocytes, and, when present in appropriate concentrations, enhances cell function. During inflammatory states, glutamine consumption may outstrip endogenous production and a relative glutamine deficiency state may exist. Animal and clinical studies suggest that improved outcome may be possible by providing the appropriate dose of this nutrient by the appropriate route to achieve adequate tissue concentrations. Such an approach prevents patients from being exposed to some of the inadequacies of present day conventional nutrition. The overall benefit of providing an appropriate glutamine-supplemented diet to all metabolically compromised patients arises from the multiple anabolic and host protective effects of this amino acid, of which immunomodulation is only one important facet of glutamine's essential nature.
The family mass hierarchy problem in bosonic technicolor

Abstract We use a multiple Higgs system to analyze the family mass hierarchy problem in bosonic technicolor. Dependence on a wide range of Yukawa couplings, λ, for quark and lepton mass generation is greatly reduced, i.e., λ∼0.1 to 1. Third and second generation masses are produced at tree-level, the latter via a see-saw mechanism. We use radiative corrections as a source for many mixing angles and first generation masses. A hierarchy of family masses with small off-diagonal Kobayashi-Maskawa entries naturally arises. A higher scale of 1–10 TeV for Higgs masses and supersymmetry breaking is needed to alleviate difficulties with flavor-changing effects. Such a large scale is a feature of bosonic technicolor and no fine-tuning is required to obtain electroweak breaking at ∼ 100 GeV. Bosonic technicolor is therefore a natural framework for multi-Higgs systems.
Simultaneous measurement of X-ray small angle scattering, absorption and reactivity: A continuous flow catalysis reactor

Abstract A fixed-bed, continuous flow catalysis reactor is described, in which GISAXS (grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering)/GIXAS (grazing incidence X-ray absorption spectroscopy) and TPR (temperature-programmed reaction) can be measured simultaneously on samples with low metal coverage. The capabilities offered by this setup are illustrated in the example of the dehydrogenation of cyclohexene, where the size, oxidation state and reactivity of supported cobalt clusters were investigated under ambient pressure conditions. The GIXAS data reveal an evolution of the oxidation state of the catalytic particles with temperature. Simultaneously recorded GISAXS data show stable clusters, without any indication of sintering under employed reaction conditions.
Politics, Elections, and Political Change in Taiwan

(1994). Politics, elections, and political change in Taiwan. Asian Journal of Political Science: Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 114-148.
Towards Active Learning on Graphs: An Error Bound Minimization Approach

Active learning on graphs has received increasing interest in the past years. In this paper, we propose a \textit{nonadaptive} active learning approach on graphs, based on generalization error bound minimization. In particular, we present a data-dependent error bound for a graph-based learning method, namely learning with local and global consistency (LLGC). We show that the empirical transductive Rademacher complexity of the function class for LLGC provides a natural criterion for active learning. The resulting active learning approach is to select a subset of nodes on a graph such that the empirical transductive Rademacher complexity of LLGC is minimized. We propose a simple yet effective sequential optimization algorithm to solve it. Experiments on benchmark datasets show that the proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art active learning methods on graphs.
Respiratory Tract Symptoms as a Clue to Giant Cell Arteritis

Although many manifestations of giant cell arteries are increasingly recognized, little attention has been paid to respiratory symptoms associated with this disorder. We report the cases of 16 patients with giant cell arteritis who had prominent symptoms related to the respiratory tract including cough, sore throat, and hoarseness. These symptoms were the initial finding in 10 patients and obscured the diagnosis in some instances, but resolved quickly when corticosteroids were given. It is estimated that 9% of patients with giant cell arteritis have prominent respiratory tract symptoms, which are the initial manifestation in 4%. This disorder should be considered in an older patient with a new cough or throat pain without obvious cause.
THROMBOPOIETIN (TPO) SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES NEONATAL (NB) RAT MYELOPOIESIS AND THROMBOPOIESIS: THE ADDITION OF RHG-CSF IS ADDITIVE RELATIVE TO MYELOPOIESIS BUT ABROGATES THE EFFECT OF TPO ON PLATELET PRODUCTION

Immaturities in NB hematopoiesis include defects in both myelopoiesis and thrombopoiesis. 25% of babies admitted to the NICU experience thrombocytopenia(Castle et al, J Peds 108:1986), and it is a risk factor for neonatal morbidity and mortality (Andrews et al, J Peds 110:1987). TPO and rhG-CSF have been shown to be potent stimulators of thrombopoiesis and myelopoiesis, respectively. (Blood 86:(10), 1995) The present study investigates the effects of TPO alone and in combination with rhG-CSF in modulating NB rat hematopoiesis. NB Sprague Dawley rats (24-36 hrs, n=16/tx) were given SC TPO (10 μg/kg, (provided by Genentech), rhG-CSF (100μg/kg) (provided by Amgen), TPO + rhG-CSF (same doses) or PBS/HSA × 14 days. CBC and PLT were obtained on alternate days from d 0-20. Random animals (n=3/tx) were sacrificed on d 14 for bone marrow CFU-GM, MEG and proliferation studies. TPO alone or + rhG-CSF had no effect on HCT or RBC. However, significant increases in ANC (/mm3) were seen with TPO alone vs PBS/HSA beginning on d 2 (1386 ± 101.3 vs 1057.0 ± 68.6, p< 0.05), d 8 (1032.8 ± 96.3 vs 509.0 ± 62.7, p< 0.05), d 14 (1490.4 ± 233.6 vs 835.2 ± 72.3, p< 0.05). A significant increase in ANC (/mm3)was also seen with TPO + rhG-CSF vs rhG-CSF alone beginning on d 4 (2486.0 ± 256.1 vs 1714.4 ± 342.8, p< 0.01), d 8 (2207.2 ± 218.2 vs 1476.0 ± 179.1, p< 0.001), d 14(2124.0 ± 150.2 vs 1175.2 ± 169.2, p< 0.01). Significant increases in PLT (K/mm3) were seen with TPO alone d 4-18 with no effect seen with rhG-CSF alone. However, a significant abrogation of PLT was seen with TPO + rhG-CSF vs TPO alone beginning on d 8 (1674.4 ± 235.5 vs 2188 ± 148.1, p < 0.05), d 14 (2466.0 ± 330.8 vs 2980.8± 100.9, p < 0.05). Significant increases were seen in CFU-Meg and GM with TPO alone & TPO+ rhG-CSF vs C (colonies/2×105c) (MEG: 23.3 ± 1.0, 20.33 ± 3.8 vs 6.0 ± 1.0, p< 0.05) (GM: 144.0 ± 4.51, 106.7 ± 15.4 vs 84.3 ± 6.5, p< 0.01). Megakaryocyte proliferation was increased in TPO alone & TPO + rhG-CSF vs PBS/HSA (%C) (250.1 ± 44.3 & 246.8±21.1 vs 100, p< 0.05). These data suggests that TPO induces myeloid and megakaryocytic progenitor cells, and increases neutrophil and platelet production in the NB rat. However, the addition of rhG-CSF abrogates the TPO effect on platelet production. Further studies are required to determine the clinical implications of the combination of TPO + rhG-CSF in the treatment of neonatal thrombocytopenia and neutropenia.
The Suggestibility of Children's Memory for Being Touched: Planting, Erasing, and Changing Memories

Investigates recent claims that it is relatively easy to suggestively plant false memories in children, by comparing the relative vulnerability to suggestibility of changed, planted, and erased memories. 80 4-year-olds and 80 10-year-olds either were touched in a specific way or were not touched at all, and it was later suggested that a different touch, a completely new touch, or no touch at all had occurred. The suggestibility effect occurred only in the changed memory condition; the difference between the experimental changed condition and the corresponding control condition was significant. In the planted and erased memory conditions no suggestibility effect occurred; there was no significant reduction in the experimental groups relative to the corresponding control conditions. Thus, although it is relatively easy to suggest to a child a change in an event that was experienced, it is less likely that an event can be planted in or erased from memory. It is thus inappropriate to provide courtroom testimony regarding the probability of suggestively planting false memories based on the classic suggestibility research, which has largely been restricted to the study of suggestively changing memories.
Overcoming the effects of intentional forgetting

The long-term effects of the compartmentalization of task-irrelevant memories were investigated using a directed forgetting procedure. Many models tacitly assume the persistence of the costs and benefits of directed forgetting or otherwise fail to predict what factors might reduce or eliminate them. In contrast, a retrieving effectively from memory model (REM; Lehman & Malmberg, 2009) predicts that intentional forgetting should only be observed for free recall when temporal context is used to probe memory. By manipulating whether study lists were constructed from category exemplars or from a random set of words, and by either providing temporal or category cues at test, we tested the prediction. The effects of directed forgetting were eliminated when categorized lists were studied and category cues were provided. When categorized lists were used but category cues were not provided, the usual costs and benefits of directed forgetting were observed. These results specify the conditions under which the consequences of intentional forgetting can be overcome.
A Gradient Boosting Algorithm for Survival Analysis via Direct Optimization of Concordance Index

Survival analysis focuses on modeling and predicting the time to an event of interest. Many statistical models have been proposed for survival analysis. They often impose strong assumptions on hazard functions, which describe how the risk of an event changes over time depending on covariates associated with each individual. In particular, the prevalent proportional hazards model assumes that covariates are multiplicatively related to the hazard. Here we propose a nonparametric model for survival analysis that does not explicitly assume particular forms of hazard functions. Our nonparametric model utilizes an ensemble of regression trees to determine how the hazard function varies according to the associated covariates. The ensemble model is trained using a gradient boosting method to optimize a smoothed approximation of the concordance index, which is one of the most widely used metrics in survival model performance evaluation. We implemented our model in a software package called GBMCI (gradient boosting machine for concordance index) and benchmarked the performance of our model against other popular survival models with a large-scale breast cancer prognosis dataset. Our experiment shows that GBMCI consistently outperforms other methods based on a number of covariate settings. GBMCI is implemented in R and is freely available online.
Cognitive behavioral therapy and functional and metacognitive outcomes in schizophrenia: A single case study

While much attention has been paid to how CBT can address symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, less is known about how it might be applied to target psychosocial dysfunction. This case study describes the treatment of a man with schizophrenia over a 6-month period using the Indianapolis Vocational Intervention Protocol (IVIP). The IVIP offered a paid work placement and concurrent group and individual CBT to address dysfunctional beliefs that interfere with effective work function. Therapeutic strategies employed focused on enhancing metacognition and identifying and restructuring dysfunctional beliefs about self and work. Gains were noted in metacognitive capacity along with decreases in the intensity of salient dysfunctional beliefs. Work behaviors were observed to improve and symptoms of emotional discomfort were reduced.
Special computer architectures for image analysis

With the recent advances of VLSI technology, it has become possible to realize parallel architectures for image processing which are more efficient than the customary sequential processors. The paper discusses general architectural requirements for parallel processing and then the existing systems architectures. This is followed by a description of VLSI devices for image processing in three examples. The paper emphasizes VLSI architectures for image feature extraction, classification and structure (syntax) analysis.
Getting to MARS: Working with an Automated Retrieval System in the Special Collections Department at the University of Nevada, Reno

The University of Nevada, Reno's Special Collections and University Archives Department moved into a new facility and had to utilize an automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) for storage of manuscript and archival collections. Using ASRS bins presented theoretical challenges in planning for the move. This article highlights how well the staff's decisions and considerations reached during planning that project and outlined in a previous article published in 2008 did or didn't work once the move was underway.
The racial disparities in STI in the U.S.: Concurrency, STI prevalence, and heterogeneity in partner selection.

Abstract Background There is a large and persistent racial disparity in STI in the U.S. which has placed non-Hispanic-Blacks at disproportionately high risk. We tested a hypothesis that both individual-level risk factors (partner number, anal sex, condom use) and local-network features (concurrency and assortative mixing by race) combine to account for the association between race and chlamydia status. Methods Data from the Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health Wave III were used. Chlamydia status was determined using biomarkers. Individual-level risk behaviors were self-reported. Network location variables for concurrency and assortative mixing were imputed using egocentrically sample data on sexual partnerships. Results After controlling for demographic attributes including age, sex, marital status, education and health care access there remained a strong association between race and chlamydia status (OR = 5.23, 95% CI [3.83–7.15], p .05 for Non-Hispanic Blacks).
Theory of elastic softening in CsCN

Abstract We have studied theoretically the anomalous softening of elastic constants in the orientationally disordered pseudo-cubic phase of CsCN using a model that includes translation-rotation coupling. The nature of the competition between short-range repulsion and quadrupole-field-gradient interaction contributions to this coupling and its sensitivity to different crystal structures are discussed. We find that the free ion value of the quadrupole moment of (CN)- ion has to be reduced by more than 85% to fit the elastic constant data for CsCN as compared to ∼40% reduction for alkali cyanides with NaCl structure. Our study brings out the limitations of currently used models and indirectly suggests the importance of higher multipole moments of the (CN)- ion.
Micro and Nano R&D Fab Safety, Inert Gas Reduction: A Lean Six-Sigma Approach

This paper will present the lean six sigma approach that was utilized to identify and analyze factors critical to creating a safe work environment, while reducing the use of these inert gases within the MNST laboratories and cleanroom. After an inventory of all inert gas sources in MNST was conducted, actions were identified utilizing guidelines outlined in the CGA P-1-2008 pamphlet.2 This initiative revealed 10 improvements to be centered on elimination, controlling and safety protocol of inert gas usage. Initial results showed that there were 7400 (740 sources of inert gases x 10 possible actions) total possible opportunities throughout MNST. Out of the 7400 total possible opportunities, 1031 or 14% of the opportunities needed actions; 6369 needed no actions and were considered safe by the inert gas reduction team and 456 were listed as “Don't Know”. The “Don't Know” items were items that needed further clarification by EHS, engineering or facilities. Further scrutiny uncovered additional points, items and issues. Follow on projects concentrated on optimization and incorporated a control plan of monthly audits, a management of change process and training awareness programs.
Deliberative modality under epistemic uncertainty

We discuss the semantic significance of a puzzle concerning ‘ought’ and conditionals recently discussed by Kolodny and MacFarlane. We argue that the puzzle is problematic for the standard Kratzer-style analysis of modality. In Kratzer’s semantics, modals are evaluated relative to a pair of conversational backgrounds. We show that there is no sensible way of assigning values to these conversational backgrounds so as to derive all of the intuitions in Kolodny and MacFarlane’s case. We show that the appropriate verdicts can be derived by extending Kratzer’s framework to feature a third conversational background and claiming that the relevant reading of ‘ought’ is sensitive to this parameter.