The database search problem: a question of rational decision making

This paper applies probability and decision theory in the graphical interface of an influence diagram to study the formal requirements of rationality which justify the individualization of a person found through a database search. The decision-theoretic part of the analysis studies the parameters that a rational decision maker would use to individualize the selected person. The modeling part (in the form of an influence diagram) clarifies the relationships between this decision and the ingredients that make up the database search problem, i.e., the results of the database search and the different pairs of propositions describing whether an individual is at the source of the crime stain. These analyses evaluate the desirability associated with the decision of 'individualizing' (and 'not individualizing'). They point out that this decision is a function of (i) the probability that the individual in question is, in fact, at the source of the crime stain (i.e., the state of nature), and (ii) the decision maker's preferences among the possible consequences of the decision (i.e., the decision maker's loss function). We discuss the relevance and argumentative implications of these insights with respect to recent comments in specialized literature, which suggest points of view that are opposed to the results of our study.

In vivo assessment of use-dependent brain plasticity--beyond the "one trick pony" imaging strategy.

This article has been written as a comment to Dr Thomas and Dr Baker's article "Teaching an adult brain new tricks: A critical review of evidence for training-dependent structural plasticity in humans". We deliberately expand on the key question about the biological substrates underlying use-dependent brain plasticity rather than reiterating the authors' main points of criticism already addressed in more general way by previous publications in the field. The focus here is on the following main issues: i) controversial brain plasticity findings in voxel-based morphometry studies are partially due to the strong dependency of the widely used T1-weighted imaging protocol on varying magnetic resonance contrast contributions; ii) novel concepts in statistical analysis allow one to directly infer topological specificity of structural brain changes associated with plasticity. We conclude that iii) voxel-based quantification of relaxometry derived parameter maps could provide a new perspective on use-dependent plasticity by characterisation of brain tissue property changes beyond the estimation of volume and cortical thickness changes. In the relevant sections we respond to the concerns raised by Dr Thomas and Dr Baker from the perspective of the proposed data acquisition and analysis strategy.

Inflammation in schizophrenia: A question of balance.

In the past decade, there has been renewed interest in immune/inflammatory changes and their associated oxidative/nitrosative consequences as key pathophysiological mechanisms in schizophrenia and related disorders. Both brain cell components (microglia, astrocytes, and neurons) and peripheral immune cells have been implicated in inflammation and the resulting oxidative/nitrosative stress (O&NS) in schizophrenia. Furthermore, down-regulation of endogenous antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms has been identified in biological samples from patients, although the degree and progression of the inflammatory process and the nature of its self-regulatory mechanisms vary from early onset to full-blown disease. This review focuses on the interactions between inflammation and O&NS, their damaging consequences for brain cells in schizophrenia, the possible origins of inflammation and increased O&NS in the disorder, and current pharmacological strategies to deal with these processes (mainly treatments with anti-inflammatory or antioxidant drugs as add-ons to antipsychotics).

The Roots of Neurofibromas in Neurofibromatosis 1 — A Question of Multipotency, Differentiation and Hiding

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant cancer predisposition syndrome that affects about 1 in 3500 individuals worldwide. NF1 is caused by mutations in the NF1 gene that encodes the tumor suppressor protein neurofibromin, an inactivator of the Ras oncogene. The hallmarks of NF1 include pigmentary lesions of the skin, Lisch nodules of the iris and cutaneous neurofibromas. Cutaneous neurofibromas are benign tumors composed of all the cell types of normal peripheral nerve. The traditional view of neurofibroma development has been that cutaneous neurofibromas arise from the disruption of the small nerve tributaries of the skin and subsequent proliferation of the resident cells. The second hit mutation in the NF1 gene has been considered as a prerequisite for neurofibroma development. The second hit is detectable in a subpopulation of primary Schwann cells cultured from neurofibromas. This thesis challenges the traditional concept of neurofibroma development. The results show that cutaneous neurofibromas are intimately associated with hair follicular structures and contain multipotent precursor cells (NFPs), suggesting that neurofibromas may arise from the multipotent cells which reside in hair follicles. Furthermore, this study presents that neurofibroma-derived Schwann cells that harbor bi-allelic inactivation in the NF1 gene express HLA class II genes and may act as nonprofessional antigen presenting cells. The CD4- and FoxP3-positive cells detected in cutaneous neurofibromas suggest that these cells may represent regulatory T cells (Tregs) which interact with HLA II –positive cells and aid the tumor cells in hiding from the immune system and are thus mediators of immune tolerance. This thesis also investigated neurofibroma development in the oral cavity and the use of different biomarkers to characterize cellular differentiation in neurofibromas. The results revealed that oral neurofibromas are not rare, but they usually appear as solitary lesions contrary to multiple cutaneous neurofibromas and present high heterogeneity within and between tumors. The use of class III beta-tubulin as a marker for neuronal differentiation led to an unexpected finding showing that multiple cell types express class III beta-tubulin during mitosis. The increased understanding of the multipotency of tumor cells, cellular differentiation and ability to hide from immune system will aid in the development of future treatments. Specifically, targeting Tregs in NF1 patients could provide a novel therapeutic approach to interfere with the development of neurofibromas.

A question of identity - wiring in the human

This paper discusses the RFID implants for identification via a sensor network. Brain-computer implants linked in to a wireless network. Biometric identification via body sensors is also discussed. The use of a network as a means for remote and distance monitoring of humans opens up a range of potential uses. Where implanted identification is concerned this immediately offers high security access to specific areas by means of only an RFID device. If a neural implant is employed then clearly the information exchanged with a network can take on a much richer form, allowing for identification and response to an individual's needs based on the signals apparent on their nervous system.

The Rueter-Hess Dam and Reservoir Project: A Question of Sustainable Water

Water in sufficient quantities throughout the Colorado Front Range is becoming increasingly limited. This paper examines the consequences for continued unsustainable use of water for communities of the Denver metropolitan area. This paper also looks at the effect that water law in the West has for otherwise optimum distributions of water. In addition, four regional and state water studies are reviewed for their contribution to sustainable water. Finally, the Final Environmental Impact Statement of the Rueter-Hess dam and reservoir project in Parker, Colorado is explored. Key findings conclude that the Rueter-Hess project may not, by itself, provide sustainable water for Parker; but the project will create incentive and opportunity for communities throughout the region to address the question of sustainable water.

Whose oil is it? The question of subsoil rights in Mexico.

"This booklet ... is the second in the series."--Foreword.

Soybeans and the world market [microform] : joint hearing before the Subcommittee on Agricultural Production and Stabilization of Prices and the Subcommittee on Domestic and Foreign Marketing and Product Promotion of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, United States Senate, One Hundredth Congress, second session, on the question of whether the marketing loan program should be expanded to include soybeans, March 18, 1988.

Distributed to some depository libraries in microfiche. Item 1032-C, 1032-D (microfiche)

Bulgarian horrors, and the question of the East. A letter addressed to the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M. P.,

Mode of access: Internet.

Report, proceedings and evidence of the Select Standing Committee on Industrial and International relations upon the question of insurance against unemployment, sickness and invalidity as ordered by the House on the 14th of February, 1929 : Third session of the sixteenth Parliament of Canada.

Includes index.

Arbitration between Peru and Chile. The case of Peru in the matter of the controversy arising out of the question of the Pacific, before the President of the United States of America, arbitrator, under the protocol and supplementary act between the Republic of Chile, signed July 20, 1922, at Washington, D.C., ratified January 15, 1923.

Includes documents in Spanish and English.

Arbitration between Peru and Chile. The counter case of Peru in the matter of the controversy arising out of the question of the Pacific, before the President of the United States of America, arbitrator, under the protocol and supplementary act between the Republic of Peru and the Republic of Chile, signed July 20, 1922 at Washington, D.C. ratified January 15, 1923.

Binder's title: Peruvian-Chilean arbitration. Appendix to the counter case of Peru.

An address to the people of Maine, on the question of separation.

Mode of access: Internet.

A question of damages,

Pub. advts. (6 p.) at end, and 1 p. at front.

A question of instinct; an analytical study...

Mode of access: Internet.