cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distributed computing with imperfect randomness

Randomness is a critical resource in many computational scenarios, enabling solutions where deterministic ones are elusive or even provably impossible. However, the randomized solutions to these tasks assume access to a source of unbiased, independent coins. Physical sources of randomness, on the other hand, are rarely unbiased and independent although they do seem to exhibit somewhat imperfect randomness. This gap in modeling questions the relevance of current randomized solutions to computational tasks. Indeed, there has been substantial investigation of this issue in complexity theory in the context of the applications to efficient algorithms and cryptography. In this paper, we seek to determine whether imperfect randomness, modeled appropriately, is “good enough” for distributed algorithms. Namely can we do with imperfect randomness all that we can do with perfect randomness, and with comparable efficiency ? We answer this question in the affirmative, for the problem of Byzantine agreement. We construct protocols for Byzantine agreement in a variety of scenarios (synchronous or asynchronous networks, with or without private channels), in which the players have imperfect randomness. Our solutions are essentially as efficient as the best known randomized agreement protocols, despite the defects in the randomness.
2008 World Bank Group Entrepreneurship Survey: The Impact of Modernized Business Registries

New data about total and newly registered businesses in more than 100 industrial and developing countries suggests that a strong business environment can encourage entrepreneurial activity. For example, new firm creation is higher in countries with greater ease in starting a business (Doing Business 2009) and modernized business registries. The 2008 World Bank Group Entrepreneurship Survey (WBGES) database includes results for 100 countries over an eight-year period (2000- 2007). The database was created as a joint effort between IFC, the World Bank Development Research Group, and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. In its third year, the WBGES survey incorporates improvements in methodology and expanded participation from countries covered, allowing for greater cross-border compatibility of data. This round also includes new information on business registration procedures, such as filing requirements, and electronic registration and data storage. The database has been launched as part of activities around Global Entrepreneurship Week, which was founded by the Kauffman Foundation and the Make Your Mark campaign.
Saying What You're Looking For: Linguistics Meets Video Search

We present an approach to searching large video corpora for clips which depict a natural-language query in the form of a sentence. Compositional semantics is used to encode subtle meaning differences lost in other approaches, such as the difference between two sentences which have identical words but entirely different meaning: The person rode the horse versus The horse rode the person . Given a sentential query and a natural-language parser, we produce a score indicating how well a video clip depicts that sentence for each clip in a corpus and return a ranked list of clips. Two fundamental problems are addressed simultaneously: detecting and tracking objects, and recognizing whether those tracks depict the query. Because both tracking and object detection are unreliable, our approach uses the sentential query to focus the tracker on the relevant participants and ensures that the resulting tracks are described by the sentential query. While most earlier work was limited to single-word queries which correspond to either verbs or nouns, we search for complex queries which contain multiple phrases, such as prepositional phrases, and modifiers, such as adverbs. We demonstrate this approach by searching for 2,627 naturally elicited sentential queries in 10 Hollywood movies.
Getting an Attitude: Brazilian Hip Hoppers Design Gender

En este ensayo demuestro que los hip hoppers brasilenos estan interesados en las cuestiones de genero. Ellos estan deseosos de representar y explicitamente conectar "tecnicas" y "actitud", sus objectivos esteticos en el hip hop, a aquellos de caracter social, como la demarcacion de las nociones contemporaneas de masculinidad y femininidad. Para abordar el significado de actuaciones tan populares, contextualizo el hip hop dentro de los parametros historicos e ideologicos del patriarcado y del machismo en el Brasil urbano. Argumento que, a diferencia de otras categorias sociales como raza, clase y lugar, el genero se mantiene como un elemento discursivo relativamente conservador para los hip hoppers brasilenos. A pesar de ello, ha emergido una dinamica productiva en relacion a la representacion de genero al interior de los varios sub-estilos del hip hop brasileno, y con ella un cambio potencial en la formacion hegemonica del machismo en la cultura popular y urbana
A spiking neuron model of auditory neural coding

The focus of this paper is to propose an explanation for how biological auditory mechanism is able to use spiking neurons to code high bandwidth information using information channels with very slow sampling rates (> 20 Hz). The general approach described in this paper is to decompose the signal into narrow band channels, each of which can be sampled at a frequency that is much lower than the center frequency of the corresponding narrow band filter. The new idea here is that the system can use non-uniform sampling to capture both the amplitude of the modulation and the phase of the carrier signal. In this paper, we first describe a system based on FFT analysis combined with overlapadd and a sampling process where magnitude is digitized but phase is represented using a temporal code of spiking neurons. The coding/decoding mechanism is based on the properties of the refractory period. We demonstrate that it is possible to reduce the bit rate to 50% by coding the carrier phase using the timing of the pulses. In the second part of this paper we show how a biological system may approximate the broadband auditory signal using spiking neurons in conjunction with a simple model of neural refractory period.
Selection of candidate quality control isolates and tentative quality control ranges for in vitro susceptibility testing of yeast isolates by National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards proposed standard methods

The National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards has developed a proposed standard method for in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing of yeast isolates (National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards, document M27-P, 1992). In order for antifungal testing by the M27-P method to be accepted, reliable quality control (QC) performance criteria must be developed. In the present study, five laboratories tested 10 candidate QC strains 20 times each against three antifungal agents: amphotericin B, fluconazole, and 5-fluorocytosine. All sites conformed to the M27-P standards and used a common lot of tube dilution reagents and RPMI 1640 broth medium. Overall, 98% of MIC results with amphotericin B, 95% with fluconazole, and 92% with 5-fluorocytosine fell within the desired 3-log2 dilution range (mode +/- 1 log2 dilution). Excellent performance with all three antifungal agents was observed for six strains: Candida albicans ATCC 90028, Candida parapsilosis ATCC 90018, C. parapsilosis ATCC 22019, Candida krusei ATCC 6258, Candida tropicalis ATCC 750, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 9763. With these strains, 3-log2 dilution ranges encompassing 94 to 100% of MICs for all three drugs were established. Additional studies with multiple lots of RPMI 1640 test medium will be required to establish definitive QC ranges.
Real-time EBM: from bed board to keyboard and back.

Background To practice Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM), physicians must quickly retrieve evidence to inform medical decisions. Internal Medicine (IM) residents receive little formal education in electronic database searching, and have identified poor searching skills as a barrier to practicing EBM.
Major geological features and lateral variation of crustal structure in southern New England

Abstract Rg dispersion studies in southern New England (SNE) provide a basis for comparing lateral variation in crustal structure with geological features. Rg waves reveal lateral variations at depths ranging from near the surface down to a few kilometers. The similarity between Rg results and those of other geophysical studies suggests that variations revealed by Rg studies penetrate into the middle of the crust, if not deeper. The Waterbury Dispersion Region (WDR), named after a local geological structure, is characterized by the highest Rg group velocities in SNE (∼2.9–3.1 km/s at a period of 1 s). These higher velocities may be due to rocks enriched in oceanic type crust and/or granulite facies metamorphic rocks. The Hartford and New Haven dispersion regions (HDR and NHDR) comprise the northern and southern parts of the Mesozoic Hartford Rift Basin, respectively. The HDR is characterized by the lowest group velocities in SNE (∼2.1–2.4 km/s at a period of 1 s). These lower velocities appear to be related to relatively thick Pleistocene glacial sediments overlying a thick sequence of Mesozoic sedimentary rocks. Higher velocities in the NHDR are attributed to a thinner cover of glacial sediments and a thinner package of sedimentary rocks. These younger rocks overlie metamorphic basement which is, on average, closer to the surface in the NHDR than in the HDR. The Bronson-Avalon Dispersion Region (BADR), east of the Hartford Rift Basin, represents several terranes that are geologically diverse but, at the scale of this study, not differentiated by Rg dispersion. The seismic structure beneath the BADR appears to be quite homogeneous; group velocities in this region range from about 2.6 to 2.8 km/s at a period of 1 s. The BADR is interpreted to consist of stacked layers of gently dipping to nearly flat-lying thrust sheets. The Torrington Dispersion Region (TDR) lies north of the WDR and west of the HDR and has group velocities similar to those of the BADR.
Case report 564

Etude d'un cas de schwannome geant intraosseux solitaire du sacrum, non associe a une neurofibromatose, chez un patient de 38 ans. Description des caracteristiques radiologiques et histologiques de la tumeur
Technetium-99 NMR spectroscopy: chemical shift trends and long range coupling effects

Abstract Values for the chemical shifts and linewidths of a variety of technetium compounds in oxidation states V, III and I were measured. Correlations between the shift and oxidation state, ligand field strength and shielding effects for these, and other previously measured compounds, are discussed. An extensive series of substituted hexakis(isonitrile)technetium(I) compounds was studied which exhibits a chemical shift range of over 75 ppm. Studies of coupling between 99Tc and other nuclei, including four-bond, long range 99Tc-1H coupling, are described.
Changes in Circadian Rhythm of Blood Pressure in On-Call Pediatric Residents

To provide an objective measure of the effects of on-call stress on the blood pressure (BP) of a group of pediatric residents, we used a SpaceLabs Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor (ABPM) to compare 37 pediatric residents' on- and off-call BPs. Residents wore the ABPM for 24 h (once on call and again off call) to assess systolic and diastolic BPs every 30 min during the day and hourly overnight. We found significantly higher MESOR (an acronym for midline estimating statistic of rhythm, which yields a mean value more representative of the true mean than an average of a series of measurements) BPs and BP loads (%BP readings > 135 mm Hg for systolic and/or 85 mm Hg diastolic) during the on-call period. Some residents became hypertensive on call, and the normal 24-h pattern of lower nighttime blood pressures was altered during this period. ABPM monitoring may prove useful in evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to reduce the stress of residency training.
Heavy browsing affects the hydraulic capacity of Ceanothus rigidus (Rhamnaceae)

Defoliation by herbivores can reduce carbon assimilation, change plant water relations, and even shift the biotic structure of plant communities. In this study, we took advantage of a long-term deer exclosure experiment to examine the consequences of persistent deer herbivory on plant water relations and the xylem structure-function relationships in Ceanothus rigidus, a maritime chaparral shrub in coastal California. Browsed plants had thicker stems with many intertwined short distal twigs, and significantly higher sapwood-to-leaf area ratios than their non-browsed counterparts. Leaf area-specific hydraulic conductivity was similar in both browsed and non-browsed plants, but xylem area-specific conductivity was significantly lower in the browsed plants. Vessel diameters were equivalent in both plant groups, but the number of vessels on a transverse area basis was nearly 40% lower in the browsed plants, accounting for their lower transport efficiency. Mid-day in situ water potentials and losses of hydraulic conductivity due to embolism were similar in both groups of plants but stomatal conductance was higher in the browsed shrubs in the early part of the growing season. We discuss our findings in the context of whole-plant ecophysiology, and explore the consequences of herbivory on hormonal signals, wood anatomy, and xylem function.
Vaccine Preventable Disease on Campus

Abstract Vaccine preventable diseases (VPD) have declined as a cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. From more than 500,000 cases of measles reported annually in the prevaccine era, there were only 1,436 cases reported in 1983 (38% on college campuses); from more than 12.5 million reported cases of acquired rubella and 20,000 cases of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) reported in 1964, there were only 954 reported cases of rubella (an unknown number occurred on campuses) and 4 cases of CRS reported in 1983. Only 6 cases of diphtheria (1 occurred on a campus), 8 cases of paralytic polio, and 75 cases of tetanus were reported in 1983 in the United States. While these declines have been dramatic, significant morbidity from these VPDs persist. Up to 25% of college age adults remain susceptible to measles and rubella. Most students would be eligible for their first booster (10 years after preschool dose) at the time of college entrance, 62% of young adults (18–39 years of age) are estimated to...
Metabolic Cues for the Onset of Puberty

The hypothesis that the timing of puberty is at least in part stimulated by some 'metabolic signal' that tells the central control system of the reproductive axis that the body is becoming large enough, and that there are enough metabolic fuel stores, to support reproductive function has received considerable attention over the past several decades. However, direct experimental support for the hypothesis that mild metabolic changes, such as those that occur slowly during development, are actually capable of modulating reproductive function has been lacking. Our recent studies have shown that very brief periods of fasting in both male rhesus monkeys and men can modify the pulsatile release of LH and testosterone. In monkeys, missing a single meal is associated with a suppression of mean plasma LH, FSH and testosterone concentrations, and with a slowing of the frequency of pulsatile LH secretion. Current studies are aimed at identifying the specific metabolic signals which cause these changes. It is hoped that the results of these studies will eventually help to answer the question of whether normal metabolic changes occurring during development play a role in timing puberty onset.
Analysis of chlorpyrifos agricultural use in regions of frequent surface water detections in California, USA.

Chlorpyrifos is a common surface water contaminant in California, USA. We evaluated five years of chlorpyrifos use and surface water monitoring data in California’s principal agricultural regions. Imperial County and three central coastal regions accounted for only 10 % of chlorpyrifos statewide use, but displayed consistently high aquatic benchmark exceedances (13.2 %–57.1 %). In contrast, 90 % of use occurred in Central Valley regions where only 0.6 %–6.5 % of samples exceeded aquatic benchmarks. Differences among regions are attributable to crop type, use intensity, irrigation practices and monthly application patterns. Application method did not appear to be a factor.
Oscillations of the polarized vacuum around a large- Z “nucleus”

Abstract We explain sharp e+ peaks in heavy ion collisions by analyzing pure QED with a large atomic number external source. We show that a highly polarized vacuum around the source has at least two neutral oscillation modes, whose energies are predicted to be 1.75 MeV and 1.49 MeV with an appropriate choice of the radius of the source. They decay into a pair of e± only through electromagnetic interactions.
Translating clinical guidelines into clinical practice: Role of the pharmacist in type 2 diabetes management

Abstract Objectives To examine the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American College of Endocrinology (ACE)/American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) diabetes guidelines and identify key areas for increased pharmacist involvement to allow more effective implementation of target glycemic goals. Data sources Guidelines issued by ADA and ACE/AACE; PubMed searches were performed to identify additional data. Study selection Free text searches were performed to identify recent (2000–2008) therapy reviews in the management of type 2 diabetes, as well as articles on specific issues such as telemedicine, self-measurement of blood glucose, and overcoming barriers to treatment. To explore the role of insulin in managing type 2 diabetes, clinical trials involving insulins and insulin analogs in type 2 diabetes were identified using a PubMed search with the Mesh terms insulin or analogs and derivatives plus diabetes mellitus , type 2 and restricted to those published after 2000. The pharmacist’s role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes was explored in PubMed using the Mesh terms pharmacists[Majr] and diabetes mellitus, type 2/therapy , and free text searches were also performed using the terms patient education , pharmacist , and type 2 diabetes . Data extraction By the author. Data synthesis The increasing burden of type 2 diabetes highlights the need for tight glycemic control in line with current guidelines and the timely introduction of insulin. Pharmacists have a crucial role in achieving these goals, as they are ideally placed to educate patients about the acceptability of treatment, the importance of self-management, the availability of new technologies and delivery devices, and the need for treatment intensification to achieve glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) targets. Conclusion Pharmacists play a crucial role in helping patients with type 2 diabetes achieve the A1C targets recommended by ADA and ACE/AACE and thereby improve their long-term health.
The informational value of insurance purchases: Evidence from the property-liability insurance market

Abstract The purchase of insurance provides a potentially finer informational partition over the distribution of post-loss resolution wealth that may allow favorable adaptation of intermediate consumption, investment, or other decisions. Such a positive informational value does not require consumer risk aversion. Lines of insurance with longer resolution periods should impact relatively more decisions and have higher informational value. Under standard assumptions on preferences, in the absence of informational value, risk premiums paid for insurance by risk averse consumers should not increase as the loss resolution period increases. Empirical tests using data from the property-liability insurance market suggest that the willingness to pay per dollar of coverage (as measured by relative market demand across lines of insurance) is greater for lines of insurance with longer resolution periods consistent with a positive informational value of insurance. The results suggest that other financial assets may also have differential informational value.
Acrokeratosis paraneoplastica (Bazex syndrome): Report of a case associated with small cell lung carcinoma and review of the literature

Acrokeratosis paraneoplastic (Bazex syndrome) is a rare, but distinctive paraneoplastic dermatosis characterized by erythematosquamous lesions located at the acral sites and is most commonly associated with carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract. We report a 58-year-old female with a history of a pigmented rash on her extremities, thick keratotic plaques on her hands, and brittle nails. Chest imaging revealed a right upper lobe mass that was proven to be small cell lung carcinoma. While Bazex syndrome has been described in the dermatology literature, it is also important for the radiologist to be aware of this entity and its common presentations.
Atomistic Scale Modeling and Analysis of Sodium Enhanced Oxidation of Silicon Carbide

We explain the phenomenon of sodium enhanced oxidation (SEO) using computational techniques, and analyze a set of probable hypotheses, which can elucidate the observation of high inversion channel mobility achieved with SEO. The ability of the Na to screen the interface traps, reduce carbon cluster type of defect formation, and enhance the oxidation rate can be explained using these calculations. We observe an increased availability of electrons near the interface in the presence of Na. The sodium atom also helps in breaking the intramolecular oxygen bond. The electronic and atomic structure of the interface cluster, and electric field computations showed that the carbon cluster formed at the oxide side of the interface could be screened by the Na ion.
The Role of Angiotensin Receptor Blocker and Calcium Channel Blocker Combination Therapy in Treating Hypertension Focus on Recent Studies

Hypertension remains a significant health problem, affecting approximately 30% of the US population. Of these, only 36.8% have BP controlled to recommended levels of <140/90 mmHg for uncomplicated hypertension and <130/80 mmHg for patients with diabetes mellitus or renal disease. For those with uncontrolled hypertension, the risk of diabetes, renal disease, stroke, and cardiovascular disease is increased. Therapeutic options for the treatment of hypertension include several major classes of drugs: diuretics, b-adrenoceptor antagonists (b-blockers), ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists (angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs]), renin inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and central sympatholytics, alone or in combination. Guidelines recommend thiazide diuretics as preferred first-line monotherapy. However, only 50% of patients will respond adequately to this therapy and the rest will require two or more antihypertensive agents to achieve BP goals. Clinical evidence demonstrates that some drugs have advantages when used in combination rather than as monotherapy. Drugs that block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system not only provide BP control but may also provide vascular protection and are metabolically neutral. This is a concise review of the safety and efficacy of ARBs in combination with amlodipine for the treatment of hypertension, with focus on the telmisartan-amlodipine combination. A MEDLINE search of the English literature from 2006 to 2009 of amlodipine in combination with ARBs revealed six publications, which are included in this review.
HOME RANGES OF SYMPATRIC MULE DEER AND WHITE-TAILED DEER IN TEXAS

Abstract Sympatry can create special dynamics between populations and impact management strategies for each species. We estimated size and overlap of home ranges and core areas of sympatric female mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and white-tailed deer (O. virginianus) in west-central Texas. We captured 50 mule deer and 53 white-tailed deer, fitted them with radiocollars, and monitored them during 2000–2002. Average (±SE) size of home range of mule deer in spring was 3.9 ± 0.32 km2, while that of white-tailed deer was 4.32 ± 0.77 km2; sizes of home ranges in summer were 2.82 ± 0.32 and 2.08 ± 0.23 km2, respectively. Interspecific overlap of home range between seasons was similar to intraspecific overlap. Overlap in core area also was similar within and between species during summer, but interspecific overlap in core area was less during spring.
Environmental Enrichment Alters Nicotine-Mediated Locomotor Sensitization and Phosphorylation of DARPP-32 and CREB in Rat Prefrontal Cortex

Exposure within an environmental enrichment paradigm results in neurobiological adaptations and decreases the baseline of locomotor activity. The current study determined activation of DARPP-32 (dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein-32) and CREB (cAMP response element binding protein), and locomotor activity in rats raised in enriched (EC), impoverished (IC), and standard (SC) conditions following repeated administration of nicotine or saline. In the saline-control group, the basal phosphorylation state of DARPP-32 at Threonine-34 site (pDARPP-32 Thr34) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) was lower in EC compared to IC and SC rats, which was positively correlated with their respective baseline activities. While nicotine (0.35 mg/kg, freebase) produced locomotor sensitization across all housing conditions when the nicotine-mediated locomotor activity was expressed as a percent change from their respective saline control, EC rats displayed greater sensitization to nicotine than IC and SC rats. Consistent with the behavioral findings, repeated nicotine injection increased pDARPP-32 Thr34 in PFC of EC and IC rats and in nucleus accumbens of EC rats; however, the magnitude of change from saline control in nicotine-induced enhancement of pDARPP-32 Thr34 in PFC was strikingly increased in EC rats relative to IC rats. Moreover, EC rats had lower basal phosphorylation levels of CREB at serine 133 in PFC and nucleus accumbens compared to IC and SC rats, whereas the nicotine-induced increase in phosphorylated CREB-Ser133 was more pronounced in PFC of EC rats relative to IC and SC rats. Collectively, these findings suggest innovative insights into advancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of enrichment-induced changes in the motivational effects of nicotine, and aiding in the identification of new therapeutic strategies for tobacco smokers.
Bortezomib in combination with thalidomide-dexamethasone for previously untreated multiple myeloma

In a previous trial among 137 previously untreated patients with multiple myeloma, the combination of thalidomide-dexamethasone induced remission in 66% of patients, including complete remission in 13%. In an attempt to induce more frequent remissions, we added bortezomib to this program. Between 7/03 and 3/06, 38 newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma received at least one, but no more than 3, courses of bortezomib in a dose of 1.3 mg/m(2) IV x 4; dexamethasone 20 mg/m(2) PO for 4 days beginning on days 1, 9, 17; thalidomide 100 mg PO daily increasing to a maximum of 200 mg. There was rapid onset of remission in 33 patients (87%) including 6 patients with complete remission (16%). Most side effects were preventable, but otherwise were usually mild and reversible. After a median of 4 months, 25 eligible patients received intensive therapy with high-dose melphalan supported by autologous blood stem cells, so that the myeloma was in complete remission in 14 patients (37% of all patients). The combination of bortezomib-thalidomide-dexamethasone was a highly effective primary treatment for newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma.
Correction and further remarks: On certain d groups of algebra automorphisms and antiautomorphisms☆

At the International Congress of Mathematicians in Moscow in 1966, it was pointed out to the author by a young mathematician from Kiev that the condition (III) of [ 131, i.e., that G be a d group, may not suffice to prove the theorem of Section 2 in that paper. The trouble arose because the author relied on a review of a result of Platonov, [IO], in which it was not clear that G should also be an algebraic group. Although Platonov’s result is not true if G is not assumed algebraic, it is still conceivable that condition (III) suffices for the proof in [13]. As this has not yet been determined, the purpose of this note is to repair the situation involving condition (III), point out that a corollary based on the original condition (III) is still valid, and to make some other remarks about the situation. Let G denote a linear group, G its Zariski-closure in the general linear group. A d group is one whose elements are semisimple. A rational representation of G is the restriction to G of one of G (thus is the same as the usual coordinate definition).
Non-muscarinic Therapeutic Targets for Acute Organophosphorus Poisoning

Organophosphorus (OP) pesticides are a broad class of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors that are responsible for tremendous morbidity and mortality worldwide, contributing to an estimated 300,000 deaths annually. Current pharmacotherapy for acute OP poisoning includes the use of atropine, an oxime, and benzodiazepines. However, even with such therapy, the mortality from these agents is as high as 40%. It is increasingly recognized that not all OPs are the same. Significant differences exist in their toxicity, lipophilicity, and response to oxime therapy. Other non-muscarinic effects of OP pesticides exist, such as acute and chronic neuromuscular junction failure and central respiratory failure. In part because most of the mortality from these chemicals takes place in the developing world, little National Institutes of Health (NIH) research has been directed towards these agents. However, the similar mechanism of action of OP pesticides and the military nerve agents, along with increasing concerns about chemical terrorism has lead to the formation of the NIH Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats (CounterACT) Program. As part of the CounterACT Program, the NIH has recently designated six OP pesticides as “threat agents”. This concept paper describes some of the knowledge gaps related to non-muscarinic effects of OP pesticides and highlights needed areas of further research. Leveraging the current NIH interest in these chemicals to medical necessities in the developing world offers the possibility of delivering new therapeutics where they are needed on a daily basis.
Distillation in microchemical systems using capillary forces and segmented flow

Distillation is a ubiquitous method of separating liquid mixtures based on differences in volatility. Performing such separations in microfluidic systems is difficult because interfacial forces dominate over gravitational forces. We describe distillation in microchemical systems and present an integrated silicon device capable of separating liquid mixtures based on boiling point differences. Microfluidic distillation is realized by establishing vapor–liquid equilibrium during segmented flow. Enriched vapor in equilibrium with liquid is then separated using capillary forces, and thus enabling a single-stage distillation operation. Design criteria for operation of on-chip distillation is set forth, and the working principle demonstrated by separation of binary mixtures of 50 : 50 mol% MeOH–toluene and 50 : 50 mol% DCM–toluene at 70.0 °C. Analysis of vapor condensate and liquid exiting a single-stage device gave MeOH mole fractions of 0.22 ± 0.03 (liquid) and 0.79 ± 0.06 (vapor). Similarly, DCM mole fractions were estimated to be 0.16 ± 0.07 (liquid) and 0.63 ± 0.05 (vapor). These experimental results were consistent with phase equilibrium predictions.
Incidence and persistence of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine within a hairpin intermediate exacerbates a toxic oxidation cycle associated with trinucleotide repeat expansion

The repair protein 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine glycosylase (OGG1) initiates base excision repair (BER) in mammalian cells by removing the oxidized base 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG) from DNA. Interestingly, OGG1 has been implicated in somatic expansion of the trinucleotide repeat (TNR) sequence CAG/CTG. Furthermore, a ‘toxic oxidation cycle’ has been proposed for age-dependent expansion in somatic cells. In this cycle, duplex TNR DNA is (1) oxidized by endogenous species; (2) BER is initiated by OGG1 and the DNA is further processed by AP endonuclease 1 (APE1); (3) a stem-loop hairpin forms during strand-displacement synthesis by polymerase β (pol β); (4) the hairpin is ligated and (5) incorporated into duplex DNA to generate an expanded CAG/CTG region. This expanded region is again subject to oxidation and the cycle continues. We reported previously that the hairpin adopted by TNR repeats contains a hot spot for oxidation. This finding prompted us to examine the possibility that the generation of a hairpin during a BER event exacerbates the toxic oxidation cycle due to accumulation of damage. Therefore, in this work we used mixed-sequence and TNR substrates containing a site-specific 8-oxoG lesion to define the kinetic parameters of human OGG1 (hOGG1) activity on duplex and hairpin substrates. We report that hOGG1 activity on TNR duplexes is indistinguishable from a mixed-sequence control. Thus, BER is initiated on TNR sequences as readily as non-repetitive DNA in order to start the toxic oxidation cycle. However, we find that for hairpin substrates hOGG1 has reduced affinity and excises 8-oxoG at a significantly slower rate as compared to duplexes. Therefore, 8-oxoG is expected to accumulate in the hairpin intermediate. This damage-containing hairpin can then be incorporated into duplex, resulting in an expanded TNR tract that now contains an oxidative lesion. Thus, the cycle restarts and the DNA can incrementally expand.
SYNOVIAL FLUID LEVELS OF FLUCONAZOLE IN A PATIENT WITH CANDIDA PARAPSILOSIS PROSTHETIC JOINT INFECTION WHO HAD AN EXCELLENT CLINICAL RESPONSE

A 73-year-old woman presenting with persistent swelling of the right knee 30 months after total joint arthroplasty was found to have a Candida parapsilosis infection. Treatment with fluconazole resulted in full recovery.
Construct validity of myotonometric measurements of muscle compliance as a measure of strength

Myotonometric measurement of muscle compliance represents new technology that quantifies muscle tone. Compliance change during muscle contraction might provide an indirect measure of strength. The purpose of this study was to determine relationships among myotonometric measurements of muscle compliance, surface electromyographic (sEMG) measurements of muscle activation and joint force production during voluntary isometric knee extensions. The level of relationship will contribute to the construct validity of use of muscle compliance as an indirect strength measurement. Thirteen male subjects, mean age 25 ± 1.5 years, participated. Simultaneous recordings of myotonometric, sEMG of the rectus femoris and isometric knee extension force measurements were taken at rest, during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), and during 33% and 66% MVC contractions. Relationships among the three measurement procedures were calculated using correlation and regression analyses. Myotonometric measures of muscle compliance, sEMG and force measurements were highly correlated. Myotonometric measurements were best represented by a curvilinear (quadratic) relationship to sEMG (r = 0.82, p < 0.001) and joint force (r = 0.83, p < 0.001). The present experiments establish the construct validity of myotonometric measurements of muscle compliance as an indirect means of quantifying muscle strength and activation levels. This method, therefore, offers a possible alternative for cases in which direct measurement of joint force or sEMG is difficult or inappropriate.
Electromagnetic Properties of Disordered Three-Dimensional Mixtures

The electromagnetic (EM) properties of two-component mixtures involving many disordered regularly and irregularly shaped crystals are studied. The effective relative permittivities are calculated utilizing the time-domain finite integration technique. The effective permittivity of disordered mixtures deviates from established mixing theories especially in cases of high permittivity contrast between inclusions and matrix material, and is strongly correlated to the cross-sectional area of the inclusion crystals. Electric energy density localizes at the edges and corners of inclusions in a manner independent of inclusion shape and influenced by EM propagation direction and surrounding inclusions. For mixtures with both disordered irregular and more organized cube inclusions, energy localization increases as the EM signal travels through the mixture before decreasing due to attenuation of the propagating EM signal. With a large number of inclusion crystals (here in the hundreds), it is found that the impact on effective permittivity from differences in individual inclusion shapes is negligible.
Further Thoughts on Official Support of the Forward Exchange Rate

I. The rationale for official intervention, 443. â€” II. Aliber's rebuttal of the common-sense view that intervention is unwise if the authorities themselves believe parities may be changed, 445. â€” III. The case of a nonreserve-currency country, 446. â€” IV. Losses to speculators vs. the devaluation profit, 451.â€”V. The special case of the dollar, 452. â€” VI. Summary and conclusion, 454.
Pathotypes of Cochliobolus sativus on Barley in North Dakota

Spot blotch, caused by Cochliobolus sativus, has become an important disease on two-rowed barley cultivars in North Dakota. Information on the variability of virulence in C. sativus is essential for the development of spot blotch-resistant barley germ plasm. To establish the number and distribution of C. sativus virulence types in North Dakota, 22 isolates from the state were evaluated for their virulence on three differential barley genotypes: ND 5883, Bowman, and ND B112. Eleven additional isolates from Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Japan, and China were included for comparison. Three pathotypes were identified from the thirty-three isolates tested based on the infection responses of the three host genotypes. These pathotypes were designated 0, 1, and 2 according to the coded triplet system of nomenclature. In North Dakota, pathotype 0 (exhibits low virulence on all three differentials) comprised 65%, pathotype 2 (exhibits high virulence on Bowman and low virulence on ND 5883 and ND B112) comprised 25%, and pathotype 1 (exhibits high virulence on ND 5883 and low virulence on Bowman and ND B112) comprised 10% of the total number of barley isolates examined. Within North Dakota, pathotype 1 was found in the east-central and northeastern region only, whereas pathotypes 2 and 0 were distributed throughout the state where samples were taken. Isolates with the pathotype 1 virulence pattern were identified in Colorado, Nebraska, Japan, and China. The remaining isolates collected outside North Dakota were pathotype 0. The information obtained from this study will facilitate the deployment of effective resistance to C. sativus in barley.
A decentralized model for multi-attribute negotiations

This paper presents a decentralized model that allows self-interested agents to reach "win-win" agreements in a multi-attribute negotiation. The model is based on an alternating-offer protocol. In each period, the proposing agent is allowed to make a limited number of offers. The responding agent can choose the best offer or reject all of them. In the case of rejection, agents exchange their roles and the negotiation proceeds to the next period. To make counteroffers, an agent first uses the heuristic of choosing, on an indifference curve (or surface), the offer that is closest to the best offer made by the opponent in the previous period, and then taking this offer as the seed, chooses several other offers randomly in a specified neighborhood of this seed offer. Experimental results show that this model can make agents reach near Pareto optimal agreements in general situations where agents have complex preferences on the attributes and incomplete information. Moreover, different from other solutions for multi-attribute negotiations, this model does not require the presence of a mediator.
Exposure of human lymphocytes to bis-(2-chloroethyl)sulfide solubilizes truncated and intact core histones.

Abstract Bis-(2-chloroethyl)sulfide (BCES) is a radiomimetic, bifunctional alkylating agent that cross-links DNA, disrupts higher-order nuclear structure and selectively kills rapidly proliferating cell types. While chemically fractionating primary, human lymphocytes after challenge with cytotoxic doses of BCES, we detected a 12 900 M r polypeptide in 1.0 M NaCl extracts of exposed cells that was markedly increased compared to controls. By computer-aided image analysis of polyacrylamide gels, it was detected as early as 4 h following 1 mM BCES and increased approximately 10-fold by 24 h. Two other polypeptides of 16 320 and 16 970 M r also were increased measurably at 24 h following BCES exposure. Altered polypeptides were found in 28 of 28 separate lymphocyte preparations ranging in cell density from 5 · 10 6 /ml to 6 · 10 7 /ml. They were not present if cells were killed with equimolar concentrations of a different cytotoxic agent, chlorovinyl-dichloroarsine (lewisite). Appearance of the polypeptides was unaffected by sulfhydryl reducing agents or pretreatment of cells with the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide. Micro sequencing resulted in a perfect match of the 12 900 M r polypeptide amino terminus with residues 19–27 of histone H2B. This corresponds to the exact site of H2B cleavage obtained when intact nucleosomes are treated with chymotrypsin. Sequence data from the other two altered polypeptides identified them as intact histone H2B and histone H3. Lymphocyte genomic DNA integrity also was assessed after BCES exposure and found to undergo extensive fragmentation typical of cellular necrosis. We speculate that exposure of isolated cells to BCES disrupts nucleosome structure by mechanism(s) that involve abnormal removal and perhaps proteolysis of core histones.
Single Crystal Diamond Photodiode for Soft X-ray Radiometry

Abstract Method is presented to obtain current-mode responsivity from diamond photodiode in the soft X-ray range (0.25–7 keV). Pulsed bias and blocking contacts are used to mitigate artifacts of charge trapping and photoconductive gain. Mean electron-hole pair creation energy is measured from experimental data to be 13.25±0.5 eV. Responsivity of diodes made from commercially available 500 μm thick single-crystal diamond (under conditions described) is reported.
New dosimetry system for a serial process ion implanter

Abstract This paper will describe a new dosimetry system which has been designed for use on Varian dual end station serial process ion implanters. This new dosimetry system employs a unique approach to the use of classical Faradays to measure ion dose on a wafer. This unique approach allows significant improvements in vacuum pumping conductance away from the target wafer, the removal of potential current leakage paths into and out of the Faraday system, improvements in dose uniformity and dose repeatability, while concurrently reducing the complexity of the design. Wafer process data will be emphasized to demonstrate improvements in dose uniformity and repeatability, and to support the conclusion that this new dosimetry design will meet all requirements of VLSI processing.
Epidemiology and spatial examination of bicycle-motor vehicle crashes in Iowa, 2001–2011

Abstract Purpose To identify how person, crash, environment, and population characteristics differ between bicycle-motor vehicle crashes that occur at intersections and non-intersections. Methods The Iowa Department of Transportation crash database for the years 2001 through 2011 was used to identify bicycle-motor vehicle (BMV) crashes and associated person, crash, and environment characteristics. Population-level data were drawn from the 2010 U.S. Census and the 2010 American Community Survey. Descriptive statistics, GIS mapping, and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine factors associated with crash risk and crash location. Results Compared to intersections, non-intersection BMV crashes had higher odds of involving young bicyclists ( Conclusions Environmental factors, as well as developmental (age) and behavioral factors of bicycle-motor vehicle crashes vary by location (intersection/non-intersection). Results from this study can be used to tailor and target multiple intervention approaches, such as making infrastructure changes, increasing safety behavior among both motorists and bicyclists, and identifying which age groups and locations would most benefit from intervention.
Ethnocentrism in Black College Students

Summary Ethnocentrism in Black College Students A 40-item Likert-type scale was developed for measuring black ethnocentrism. The Black Ethnocentrism Scale (BES) consists of 20 items assessing problack sentiment (Pro-Black Subscale, PBS) and 20 items assessing antiwhite sentiment (Anti-White Subscale, AWS). Split-half reliability coefficients based on the responses of 99 black college students were .88 for the PBS, .87 for the AWS, and .91 for the total BES. Test-retest reliability coefficients were .82, .80, and .87 for the PBS, AWS, and BES respectively. Evidence of construct validity for the BES was indicated by positive correlations with the California F and E scales. Pro-Black scores were positively related to Anti-White scores (r = .73), and data comparing a 1953 sample of black students to a 1974 sample indicated that in contrast to the earlier sample, the latter tended to disagree with anti-Negro ideology and to agree with antiwhite ideology.
Effect of eosinophil peroxidase on airway epithelial permeability in the guinea pig

Increased numbers of eosinophils and increased concentrations of plasma proteins have been found in the airways of patients with mild asthma. We used an intact guinea pig trachea model to investigate the role of eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) in altering the function of the airway epithelial barrier. EPO in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and bromide (Br(-)) catalyzes the production of hypobromous acid (HOBr), which is felt to have a toxic effect on airway epithelial cells. An intact guinea pig trachea was mounted on an apparatus in a way that would allow the tracheal epithelium to be exposed to different solutions. Following these exposures, a test solution containing (14)C-sucrose (S), (3)H-inulin (I), and FITC-dextran-20 (D) was placed in the tracheal lumen and positioned in the center of the segment for 90 minutes. Flux of these molecules across the epithelial barrier into a bath was measured, and the permeability (P) was calculated for each molecule to quantify epithelial barrier function. Light and electron micrographic studies were performed to assess cellular damage. We found that there was a dose response to EPO (in the presence of fixed amounts of H(2)(O)(2) and Br(-)). EPO at 7.3 x 10(-7) M caused no increase in P over controls (Ringer's solution alone) for S, I, or D (P> 0.05), whereas EPO at 2.7 x 10(-6) M caused a significant increase in P over controls (P = 0.008) for all test molecules. Light and electron micrographs of the latter tracheas showed no evidence of microscopic changes despite the increased P. Further testing verified that the increase in permeability was caused by the EPO catalyzed reaction and not the individual substrates themselves, and that the reaction was inhibited by a peroxidase inhibitor. We conclude that EPO can alter the barrier function of the airway epithelium before gross cellular damage becomes visible. We hypothesize that changes in the tight junctions are responsible for the alteration in the barrier function of the airway epithelium and that this may play an important role in the pathophysiology of mild asthma.