cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distributed computing meets game theory: combining insights from two fields

Traditionally fault tolerance and security have divided processes into “good guys” and “bad guys”. Work on fault tolerance has focused on assuring that certain goals are met, as long as the number of “bad guys” is bounded (e.g., less than one third or one half of the total number of players). The viewpoint in game theory has been quite different. There are no good guys or bad guys, only rational players who will make moves in their own self-interest. Making this precise requires assigning payoffs (or utilities) to outcomes. There are various solution concepts in game theory—predictions regarding the outcome of a game with rational players. They all essentially involve players making best responses to their beliefs, but differ in what players are assumed to know about what the other players are doing. Perhaps the best-known and most widely-used solution concept is Nash equilibrium (NE). A profile ~σ of strategies—that is, a collection of strategies consisting of one strategy σi for each player i—is a Nash equilibrium if no player can improve his payoff by changing his strategy unilaterally, even assuming that he knows the strategies of all the other players. In the notation traditionally used in game theory, ~σ is a Nash equilibrium if, for all i and all strategies τi for player i, ui(~σ−i, τi) ≤ ui(~σ): player i does not gain any utility by switching to τi if all the remaining players continue to play their component of ~σ. (See a standard game theory text, such as [23], for an introduction to solution concepts, and more examples and intuition.) Both the game theory approach and the distributed computing approach have something to recommend them. In fact, for many applications, it is important to take both fault tolerance and strategic behavior into account. That is, we are interested in solution concepts that consider strategic behavior while maintaining a level of fault tolerance. In this paper, we briefly review the approaches to combine these concerns taken in two papers, [1] and [5], and discuss more generally the question of accounting for strategic behavior in distributed computing, and its implications. As pointed out in [1], extending traditional game theory to incorporate fault tolerance really involves two separate steps. First, it is necessary to move beyond deviations by a single player, which are the focus of Nash equilibrium (and all other standard solution concepts in game theory), to allow deviations by groups of players. To understand the point, consider the following simple example.
Venlafaxine and metabolites are very weak inhibitors of human cytochrome P450-3A isoforms

Cytochrome P450-3A isoforms mediate the metabolism of a large number of drugs used in clinical practice (Harvey and Preskom 1996; Ketter et al 1995; yon Moltke et al 1995b). The class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants has the capacity to inhibit reversibly the activity of human cytochrome P450-3A isoforms, accounting for a number of pharmacokinetic drug interactions. Cotreatment with fluoxetine, for example, impairs metabolic clearance and/or elevates steadystate plasma concentrations of P450-3A substrates such as diazepam, alprazolam, amitriptyline, imipramine, and carbamazepine (Greenblatt et al in press). The inhibitory activity of fluoxetine appears to be attributable mainly to its metabolite, norfluoxetine. Fluvoxamine also is a P450-3A inhibitor, causing pharmacokinetic interactions with alprazolam (Fleishaker and Hulst 1994), diazepam (Perucca et al 1994), and haloperidol (Daniel et al 1994). The antidepressant nefazodone, which produces presynaptic serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition and postsynaptic serotonin (5-HT) 2 receptor blockade (Ellingrod and Perry 1995), is a reasonably potent 3A inhibitor (von Moltke et al 1996b), significantly elevating plasma concentrations of alprazolam (Greene et al 1995) and triazolam (Barbhaiya et al 1995) when coadministered with these drugs. The antidepressant venlafaxine (VF) acts by blocking reuptake
Hominoid systematics: The soft evidence

Until quite recently most evolutionary relationships were inferred from the morphology of hard tissues (bones and teeth) and soft tissues (including muscles, blood vessels, nerves, integument), by using the so-called cladistic approach developed by Hennig (1). In this approach the phenotype is described as a series of characters, which exist in two or more states. These can be of a presence/absence sort or can form a graded series. Character states are categorized as earlier …
A transcript map of the Down syndrome critical region on chromosome 21

A catalogue of the genes encoded by chromosome 21 would provide a framework for assigning roles in the etiology of Down syndrome (DS) to individual genes. We have begun generating such a catalogue, starting with a 1.2 Mb region surrounding the marker D21S55. Our efforts utilized the yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) and cosmid-clone based high resolution physical maps that we have constructed of this region. Direct-selection of fetal brain cDNAs with YAC DNA was used to isolate transcribed sequences. The selected cDNA fragments were analyzed by limited DNA sequence analysis, Northern blot hybridization and screening of cDNA libraries. The cDNA fragments were assigned positions on the physical map by hybridization to a collection of cosmid clones. The accurate determination of map positions for individual cDNA fragments allowed us to determine sources of variability in the cDNA selection procedure. The combined analysis and mapping was used to estimate the completeness of our mapping efforts and to identify procedures that would facilitate large-scale transcript mapping. The transcribed sequence map that we have assembled will allow the importance to DS of genes in this region to be examined and will aid in the design of strategies for larger scale efforts.
Management of Post-Transplant Diabetes

New onset diabetes mellitus after transplant (NODAT) refers to the development of diabetes post-transplant in previously non-diabetic patients and is associated with increased rates of acute transplant rejection, infection, late cardiovascular events, and decreased survival. NODAT is primarily due to the immunosuppressive drug regimen but the standard predisposing risk factors for diabetes also pertain. NODAT is diagnosed by the standard ADA criteria, once prednisone doses are less than 10 mg per day and in the absence of acute illness. Sulfonylureas, metformin, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, and insulin can be used in treatment, but when there is impaired kidney or hepatic function, special precautions are necessary. In addition, those drugs interacting with P450 enzymes require additional consideration because of possible interaction with immunosuppressive drug metabolism.
Pigmented Bowen's disease arising from pigmented seborrheic keratoses

We report three cases of pigmented Bowen's disease that clinically and histologically had features of seborrheic keratoses. We speculate about the mechanism of pigmentation in these lesions and suggest that they arise from pigmented seborrheic keratoses.
Bisulfate Dehydration at Air/Solution Interfaces Probed by Vibrational Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy

The structure and organization of ions at vapor/solution interfaces have great implications for the reactivity and growth of atmospheric aerosols. Considering the ionic components of aqueous aerosols, sulfate species are one of the most prevalent due to high levels of SO2(g) emission to the atmosphere from biofuel burning and volcanic eruptions. Atmospheric SO2(g) can undergo direct gas phase oxidation or experience dissolution and subsequent oxidation to sulfate species within aqueous aerosols, where, depending on the pH level, sulfate may exist as SO42–, HSO4–, or H2SO4. Here we probe the molecular environment experienced by the bisulfate anion (HSO4–) at vapor/solution interfaces for H2SO4, Na2SO4, and MgSO4 solutions via vibrational sum frequency generation (VSFG) spectroscopy. VSFG is an inherently interface specific nonlinear optical spectroscopy and is a powerful tool for the study of interfacial structure and organization. Our VSFG results are compared to bisulfate behavior in bulk aqueous solutio...
Light exposure decreases IOP in rabbits during the night

Elevated IOP observed in rabbits during the dark phase of the circadian cycle decreased rapidly and reversibly when rabbits were exposed to light during the dark phase. The decrease of IOP does not result from decreased aqueous flow and only part of the decrease requires intact ocular sympathetic innervation.
On using SPEEDES as a platform for a parallel swarm simulation

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) research is an increasingly important pillar of national security and military interest. A high fidelity discrete event simulation is prerequisite to any systems implementation. The Synchronous Parallel Environment for Emulation and Discrete Event Simulation (SPEEDES) is a versatile and powerful tool that can be used for realization of this objective. A suite of five experiments measures the efficiency a parallel UAV swarming SPEEDES application. Results indicate that the conservative time management produces more than twice the speedup as optimistic time management.
Imaginative Resistance and Conversational Implicature

We experience resistance when we are engaging with fictional works which present certain (for example, morally objectionable) claims. But in virtue of what properties do sentences trigger this ‘imaginative resistance’? I argue that while most accounts of imaginative resistance have looked for semantic properties in virtue of which sentences trigger it, this is unlikely to give us a coherent account, because imaginative resistance is a pragmatic phenomenon. It works in a way very similar to Paul Grice's widely analysed ‘conversational implicature’.
Broad Tunability in a Volume Bragg Grating Narrow Line Ti:Sapphire Oscillator

A broadly-tunable and narrow line Ti:Sapphire oscillator is presented. Tunability over 47 nm has been demonstrated while maintaining a linewidth shorter than 10 pm. Simplifications of typically tedious alignment procedures of VBG lasers are also discussed.
Correlation Between Upstream Human Activities and Riverine Antibiotic Resistance Genes

Antimicrobial resistance remains a serious and growing human health challenge. The water environment may represent a key dissemination pathway of resistance elements to and from humans. However, quantitative relationships between landscape features and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have not previously been identified. The objective of this study was to examine correlations between ARGs and putative upstream anthropogenic sources in the watershed. sul1 (sulfonamide) and tet(W) (tetracycline) were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction in bed and suspended sediment within the South Platte River Basin, which originates from a pristine region in the Rocky Mountains and runs through a gradient of human activities. A geospatial database was constructed to delineate surface water pathways from animal feeding operations, wastewater treatment plants, and fish hatchery and rearing units to river monitoring points. General linear regression models were compared. Riverine sul1 correlated with upstream capacities of animal feeding operations (R(2) = 0.35, p < 0.001) and wastewater treatment plants (R(2) = 0.34, p < 0.001). Weighting for the inverse distances from animal feeding operations along transport pathways strengthened the observed correlations (R(2) = 0.60-0.64, p < 0.001), suggesting the importance of these pathways in ARG dissemination. Correlations were upheld across the four sampling events during the year, and averaging sul1 measurements in bed and suspended sediments over all events yielded the strongest correlation (R(2) = 0.92, p < 0.001). Conversely, a significant relationship with landscape features was not evident for tet(W), which, in contrast to sul1, is broadly distributed in the pristine region and also relatively more prevalent in animal feeding operation lagoons. The findings highlight the need to focus attention on quantifying the contribution of water pathways to the antibiotic resistance disease burden in humans and offer insight into potential strategies to control the spread of ARGs.
The Report on the Gladiatorial Combats of 174 BC

The four extant Livian passages reporting on gladiatorial combats are discussed; the focus lies upon textual problems in the fourth passage, but in briefer compass a solution to a textual problem in the first is proposed and the reliability of the number transmitted in the third is defended. There is also a short preliminary discussion of the sources available and of the sources actually used in the transmission of this information.
An implementation of a 32-bit ARM processor using dual power supplies and dual threshold voltages

With the explosion of portable electronic devices, power efficient processors have become increasingly important. In this paper we present a set of circuit techniques to implement a 32-bit low-power ARM processor, found commonly in embedded systems, using a six metal layer 0.18 /spl mu/m TSMC process. Our methodology is based on Clustered Voltage Scaling (CVS) and dual-V/sub th/ techniques aiming to reduce both dynamic power and static power simultaneously.
The plasma wake of mesosonic conducting bodies. Part 1. An experimental parametric study of ion focusing by the plasma sheath

The experimental investigation considered is concerned with the deflection of ion streams resulting from the interaction of conducting test bodies with an unmagnetized, mesosonic (supersonic with respect to ions but subsonic with respect to electrons) plasma stream. The investigation is, therefore, limited to plasma-electrostatic interactions. The experimental conditions are similar to those of the spacecraft-ionospheric interaction in that the ionic mass and number density, the electron temperature, and the plasma drift velocity ranges include values appropriate for small satellites or diagnostic probes at 200 to 400 km altitude. The study provides direct observations of deflected ion streams for cylindrical test bodies and gives a detailed description of the effects of the governing, dimensionless parameter ratios obtained from the steady-state, nonmagnetic Maxwell-Vlasov system of equations.
Multiparametric MRI Improves Accuracy of Clinical Nomograms for Predicting Extracapsular Extension of Prostate Cancer.

Objective To compare the accuracy of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MP-MRI) with the Partin tables and Memorial Sloan-Kettering (MSK) nomogram for predicting extracapsular extension (ECE) in prostate cancer and to create a tool for clinicians to estimate pathologic ECE risk. Methods A retrospective review of 112 patients who underwent 3T MP-MRI of the prostate and radical prostatectomy was performed. Regression analyses were carried out to identify predictors of ECE. Predictive accuracy of models based on nomogram and MP-MRI were compared. Results A total of 33 of patients (29%) had ECE on MP-MRI whereas 26 patients (23%) had ECE on final pathology. Mean age was 62.8 years and mean prostate-specific antigen was 8.2 ng/dL. MRI was a significant predictor of ECE that was independent of age, prostate-specific antigen, Gleason score, clinical stage, and percent positive cores on biopsy. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of MP-MRI for ECE were 84.6%, 87.2%, 66.7%, and 94.9%, respectively. Areas under the curve for Partin and MSK nomograms for predicting ECE were 0.85 and 0.86, respectively. Area under the curve increased to 0.92 and 0.94, respectively, when MP-MRI was added to each nomogram. We provide an online tool that integrates Partin or MSK nomogram results with ECE status determined from MRI to predict pathologic ECE. Within the typical range of risks for ECE provided by the clinical nomograms (ie, 15%-40%), MRI was useful for predicting pathologic ECE. Conclusion MP-MRI may be a useful adjunct for clinically staging prostate cancer. MP-MRI improved accuracy of existing clinical nomograms for prediction of pathologic ECE.
Symptomatic intravertebral disc herniation (Schmorl's node) in the cervical spine.

A case of a Schmorl9s node in the cervical vertebra causing neck pain is reported. An inflammatory focus was found on histological examination of Schmorl9s node indicating a possible mechanism of pain production.
Rule-based visualization in the Discover computational steering collaboratory

In this paper, we introduce the concept of rule-based visualization for a computational steering collaboratory and show how these rules can be used to steer the behaviors of the visualization subsystem. Rules define high-level policies and are used to autonomically select and tune the visualization routines based on application requirements and available computing/network resources. Such an autonomic management of the visualization subsystem can significantly improve the effectiveness of computational steering collaboratories in wide-area Grid environments.
Characterization of digestion residues of alfalfa and orchardgrass leaves by microscopic, spectroscopic and chemical analysis

Leaflets of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) and leaf blade sections of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L) were digested for three consecutive incubation periods of 3 days each with rumen bacteria. Residues were then analyzed by the following methods: (i) scanning electron and light microscopy to define the botanical structures; (ii) ultraviolet absorption microspectrophotometry to characterize phenolic constituents within specific regions; (iii) NMR and midinfrared spectroscopy to determine components, linkages, and functional groups; and (iv) gas-liquid chromatography for phenolic acids and lignin constituents after treatment with 1 M NaOH (25°C, 24 h) and 1 M NaOH followed by 4 M NaOH (170°C, 2h). Alfalfa residue consisted of extensive amounts of cuticular sheets, a network of vascular bundles, and smaller portions of cuticle overlying lignified structures associated with major vascular bundles. Orchardgrass residue consisted of large and small vascular bundles, usually without the mestome sheath surrounding phloem, and small portions of cuticle. Alfalfa lignin was more condensed but had similar proportion of ether-linked phenolic acids compared with that of orchardgrass, while the grass lignin had substantially higher concentrations of ester-linked p-coumaric and ferulic acids associated with a higher proportion of carbohydrates in the residue. Alfalfa had a higher fatty ester content, likely due to the large amount of cuticle in the residue, and protein, which likely was contained within the lignin. The results provide a detailed characterization of aromatics and linkages within the most recalcitrant tissues of plants and indicate variations between non-degradable residues of a legume and a grass.
Epidermal growth factor-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression is mediated through phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase, not mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase, in recurrent respiratory papillomas.

Purpose: Recurrent respiratory papillomas, caused by human papillomaviruses, are premalignant tumors that overexpress the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The goals of this study were as follows: ( a ) to evaluate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in papillomas, ( b ) to investigate the role of EGFR signaling in COX-2 expression, and ( c ) to determine whether COX-2 activity is important for the growth of papilloma cells. Experimental Design: Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and real-time PCR were used to determine levels of COX-2 in papilloma and normal laryngeal tissue. Explant cultures of both normal laryngeal and papilloma cells were used to define the signaling pathways that regulate COX-2 expression and investigate the potential of targeting COX-2 as a strategy to suppress papilloma growth. Results: COX-2 levels were markedly increased in papillomas. In vitro studies suggested that overexpression in papillomas reflected activation of EGFR→phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling. Treatment with prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) induced COX-2, whereas celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, suppressed levels of COX-2, suggesting a positive feedback loop. Moreover, treatment with PGE 2 stimulated papilloma cell growth, whereas celecoxib suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis. Conclusions: Overexpression of COX-2 in papillomas seems to be a consequence of enhanced EGFR→phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling. We propose a positive feedback loop for COX-2 expression, with induction of COX-2 resulting in enhanced PGE 2 synthesis and further expression of COX-2 that contributes to the growth of papillomas in vivo . These data strengthen the rationale for evaluating whether nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, prototypic COX inhibitors, will be useful in the management of respiratory papillomas.
Democracy, Dialogue, and Education: An Exploration of Conflict Resolution at Jefferson Junior High

Conflict resolution programs provide scholars with a rich context to explore how social issues and ideologies are negotiated in the design and enactment of education programs. This ethnographic field study explored how participants in a junior high conflict resolution and peer mediation program, Students Taking Active Responsibility (STAR), enacted democratic and dialogic learning. Based on data collected through participant observations and interviews, we explored how students and teachers embodied particular subjectivities (e.g., democratic citizens, engaged learners) as they participated in STAR. We argue that STAR supported “connected knowing” by resisting the traditional binary of reason and emotion and by fostering respect and responsibility among students. Our analysis revealed tensions that emerged when participants enacted democratic and dialogic learning amidst material and social constraints.
Consumers Who Correspond With Business: A Profile And Measure Of Satisfaction With Responses

To investigate the personal characteristics of consumers who correspond with business and their level of satisfaction with businesses responses, 300 adults were interviewed. Fifty-five percent had written complaint, praise, or inquiry letters to businesses. About half of those consumers receiving responses were highly satisfied with them. Further analysis revealed that consumers correspondence behaviors and satisfaction with business responses varied according to individual consumer characteristics. Implications and recommendations for nurturing customer satisfaction are discussed.
Policy Reform and Aid Effectiveness in Africa

This paper re-examines the 'good policy environment' argument for aid effectiveness and allocation in Africa. It does so while controlling for the role of social cohesion and its interplay with aid. The empirical results indicate that once we account for the role of social cohesion the impact of policy disappears. This casts doubt on the conclusions in Burnside and Dollar (2000) and the policy lessons derived from their findings. Our results have important policy implications as they suggest that conditioning aid allocation on 'good policy environment' may not necessarily lead to higher aid effectiveness.
Personalizing your airspace and your health.

Indoor and outdoor air pollution rank as the fourth and ninth leading causes of global morbidity and mortality in the most recent Global Burden of Disease (GBD) report and collectively outrank other major risk factors in terms of importance [(1)][1]. The fine particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM2.5)
Two acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-associated Burkitt's lymphomas produce specific anti-i IgM cold agglutinins using somatically mutated VH4-21 segments

We analyzed the reactivity and the structure of the VH and VL segments of two IgM monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) produced by spontaneously in vitro outgrowing cell lines, HBL-2 and HBL-3, established from two acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-negative Burkitt's lymphoma (BL). These B-cell clones were representative of the respective neoplastic parental clones, as determined by immunophenotypic and molecular genetic analysis. The IgM MoAbs were highly specific for the i determinant on red blood cells (cold agglutinins), but bound none of the other eight self and nine foreign antigens (Ags) tested, including those most commonly recognized by natural antibodies or autoantibodies. Structural analysis showed that the IgM MoAb VH segment sequences were 93.5% and 84.2% identical with that of the germline VH4-21 gene, which encodes the vast majority of cold agglutinins that are specific for the i/l carbohydrate Ag and are produced under chronic lymphoproliferative conditions. The HBL-2 MoAb VH4-21 gene segment was juxtaposed with 20P3 and JH6 genes and paired with a V lambda 1 segment, the sequence of which was 95.5% identical to that of the germline Humlv117 gene; the HBL-3 MoAb VH4-21 gene segment was juxtaposed with DXP'1 and JH5 genes and paired with a V lambda 1 segment, the sequence of which was 86.7% identical to that of the germline Humlv1L1 gene. The high degree of conservation of the VH4-21 gene in the human population, the nature of the nucleotide differences in the expressed VH4-21 segments, and the presence of nucleotide substitutions in the HBL-2 and HBL-3 IgM MoAb JH and/or J lambda segments suggested that the MoAb V segments underwent a process of somatic hypermutation. This was formally shown in the HBL-3 MoAb VH segment, by differentially targeted polymerase chain reaction amplification of the HBL-3 MoAb-producing cell genomic DNA. In addition, cloning and sequencing of the genomic DNA from fibroblasts of the same patient whose neoplastic B cells gave rise to the HBL-3 cell line yielded a germline copy of the VH4-21 gene. Thus, the expression of VH4-21 gene products may be involved in a self Ag-driven process of clonal B-cell expansion and selection associated with BL in these AIDS patients.
A New Geometrid Genus and Species from Southeastern Arizona (Ennominae: Nacophorini)

ABSTRACT. The new genus Chiricahua is described from moths collected in the Chiricahua Mtns., Cochise Co., Arizona. Two species are recognized: the new species C. lichenaria, the type species for the genus, and C. multidentata. previously placed in Biston. Adults and genitalia are illustrated.
Study on Remote Monitoring System for Vibration State of Transmission Tower

A remote monitoring system for vibration state of transmission tower was developed according to the requirement and the characteristics of transmission tower vibration monitoring.This system includes three key functions,including automatic collection of vibration state parameters and local weather data,the displaying and treatment of measure results on main computer system of remote monitoring center through wireless network,real-time collection and transmission of vibration signals.Being installed in the transmission tower for nearly three month,the system has run well and fulfilled the expectant goals very well.The results show that the system is excellent in the many aspects,such as real-time performance,reliability,accuracy,transplantation and so on.The design of the whole system,the performance of both software and hardware and the functions of the system are described in detail in this paper.
Bactericidal Effects of Photoradiation Therapy With Hematoporphyrin Derivative

Hematoporphyrin derivative (Hpd) localizes selectively in malignant and rapidly metabolizing tissues and undergoes a cytotoxic reaction when exposed to light of a specific wavelength. Hpd has been studied extensively with regard to the diagnosis and treatment of tumors but not with regard to bactericidal activity. This investigation assessed the effect of light-activated Hpd on various microorganisms, on human polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and on the interactions of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and bacteria. Light-activated Hpd was 99.9% bactericidal against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Bacteroides fragilis, Streptococcus M-G intermedius, Streptococcus mutans, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, Peptococcus magnus, and Clostridium perfringens, but did not affect Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Candida albicans. Photoactivation of Hpd rendered 98% of polymorphonuclear leukocytes inviable. Combinations of light-activated Hpd and polymorphonuclear leukocytes had a 4-log (99.99%) bactericidal effect on both intra- and extracellular S. aureus. The ability of Hpd to localize in inflammatory tissues may have therapeutic applications in the treatment of abscesses.
Michaelis-Menten equation and detailed balance in enzymatic networks.

Many enzymatic reactions in biochemistry are far more complex than the celebrated Michaelis−Menten scheme, but the observed turnover rate often obeys the hyperbolic dependence on the substrate concentration, a relation established almost a century ago for the simple Michaelis−Menten mechanism. To resolve the longstanding puzzle, we apply the flux balance method to predict the functional form of the substrate dependence in the mean turnover time of complex enzymatic reactions and identify detailed balance (i.e., the lack of unbalanced conformtional current) as a sufficient condition for the Michaelis−Menten equation to describe the substrate concentration dependence of the turnover rate in an enzymatic network. This prediction can be verified in single-molecule event-averaged measurements using the recently proposed signatures of detailed balance violations. The finding helps analyze recent single-molecule studies of enzymatic networks and can be applied to other external variables, such as force-dependenc...
P2.069* Factors Associated with Biologic False Positive Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) Serologies in HIV-1-Infected Persons

Objectives The prevalence of biologic false-positive (BFP) non-treponemal tests ranges from 4–15% among HIV-infected persons. Abnormalities in B cell function are hypothesised to increase the probability of BFP in this population. Our aim was to determine the impact of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and the degree of immunosuppression on BFP Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) tests among HIV-infected persons. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of 711 HIV-infected patients enrolled in the Johns Hopkins HIV Clinical Cohort. BFP RPR was defined as a reactive RPR and a non-reactive FTA-ABS. We conducted two analyses: (1) A cross-sectional analysis in which patients with BFP tests were compared to two control groups: HIV-infected patients (i) with syphilis and (ii) without syphilis. (2) A longitudinal analysis to determine the factors associated with BFP persistence over time. A persistent BFP test was defined as a BFP test at all visits in patients who had more than one visit with a documented RPR test. We used logistic regression and Generalized Estimating Equations for the analyses. Results 96 participants (13.5%) had BFP tests and 273 (48.1%) had syphilis. Twenty-two of 96 (23%) had persistent BFP tests. cART use was associated with decreased odds of BFP tests compared to persons with syphilis [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.31, 95% CI: 0.15–0.63] and without syphilis [aOR 0.42 (0.22–0.81)]. cART use was also associated with decreased odds of BFP persistence over time [OR 0.07 (0.01–0.33)]. Neither CD4 count nor HIV RNA was associated with BFP test results. Lower RPR titers, injection drug use and Hepatitis B were associated with increased odds of BFP. Conclusions The use of cART appears to significantly decrease the odds of BFP RPR tests, independent of CD4 T-cell response. This may be the result of cART’s effects on B-cell functions.
Electrolyte disturbances in congestive heart failure.

ras 44.2 mg. per minute. The mean filtration fraction, which is an expression of the glomerular filtration in relation to the renal plasma flow (G:F./R.P.F.) showed a definite increase from the normal of 17.4 per cent to 40.5 per cent in decompensated patients. This increase in the filtration fraction has been explained in the current concept as being a result of efferent arteriolar constriction, which, by increasing the hydrostatic pressure within the glomerular capillaries, would force a greater filtration from the blood during its flow through these structures. 4 That there may be impair­ ment of tubular function is suggested by a measurable decrease in the tubular excretory capacity. Normally, sodium is believed to be reabsorbed from the tubules in 2 phases: (1) an obligatory phase in the proximal tubule and (2) a facultative phase in the distal tubule. The former accounts for reabsorption of approximately 85 per cent of the filtered sodium. 6 With decreased glomerular filtration in con­ gestive heart failure there is a great reduction in tubular sodium load. This apparently results in increased reabsorption of sodium in the obligatory phase, either because of the decreased sodium load or because of malfunction of the tubular apparatus. Some observers believe that increased tubular reabsorption occurs in the distal tubule, also, and contributes further to the total retention of sodium. Other factors in the mechanism of sodium and water retention remain to be evaluated. There is increasing evidence that the pituitary and adrenal glands
Molecular diagnosis of SLC25A13 gene mutation in neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency

Objective To investigate SLC25A13 gene mutation in neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency(NICCD).Method A total of 17 children with NICCD were collected.PCR-RFLP method was used to analyze the most common eight mutations of SLC25A13 gene in Chinese populations and results were analyzed together with routine laboratory examinations.Results In the 17 NICCD patients,there were six cases of homozygous mutation,three cases of compound heterozygous mutation and eight cases of single heterozygous mutation in SLC25A13 gene.Three kinds of mutations detected were 851del4(73.1%),1638ins23(11.5%) and IVS6+5GA(15.4%).The seventeen cases showed classical NICCD symptoms of low birth weight,pathological jaundice.And laboratory data suggested liver dysfunction,hyperbilirubinemia,hyperbileacidemia,hypoproteinemia,hypoglycemia,coagulation disorders,hyperlactacidemia and hyperammonemia.Conclusions 851del4,1638ins23 and IVS6+5GA are hot spots of SLC25A13 gene mutation in Chinese populations.PCR-RFLP is a rapid,convenient and reliable technology for NICCD molecular diagnosis.
Five factors of impulsivity: Unique pathways to borderline and antisocial personality features and subsequent alcohol problems

Abstract Impulsivity, a multidimensional behavioral mechanism, commonly preceding externalizing maladaptive behavior and psychopathology, is a diagnostic criterion central to both antisocial and borderline personality disorders (American Psychiatric Association; APA, 2013). This study tested a path model of associations between five facets of impulsivity (negative urgency, positive urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, and sensation seeking), borderline personality features, antisocial personality features, and two alcohol outcomes (consumption and alcohol-related problems) in a sample of college students ( N = 624; 69% female, 31% male) between the ages of 18–25 ( M = 19.77, SD = 1.55). The model demonstrated good fit with χ 2 (14, N = 624) = 17.48, p = .231; RMSEA = .020 [90% CI: .000–.046]; CFI = .998; SRMR = .019. Negative urgency and (lack of) perseverance predicted borderline personality features. Positive urgency, sensation seeking, (lack of) premeditation, and negative urgency predicted antisocial personality features. Antisocial, but not borderline personality features, were significantly associated with alcohol consumption. However, both antisocial and borderline personality features significantly predicted alcohol problems. Overall, the results demonstrate that impulsivity facets can differentially predict personality psychopathology and illustrate distinct paths to alcohol consumption and problems.
On the covering number of symmetric groups having degree divisible by six

If a group G is the union of proper subgroups H 1 , ź , H k , we say that the collection { H 1 , ź , H k } is a cover of G , and the size of a minimal cover (supposing one exists) is the covering number of G , denoted by ź ( G ) . Maroti showed that ź ( S n ) = 2 n - 1 for n odd and sufficiently large, and he also gave asymptotic bounds for n even. In this paper, we determine the exact value of ź ( S n ) when n is divisible by six.
Decision tree methods for finding reusable MDP homomorphisms

State abstraction is a useful tool for agents interacting with complex environments. Good state abstractions are compact, reuseable, and easy to learn from sample data. This paper combines and extends two existing classes of state abstraction methods to achieve these criteria. The first class of methods search for MDP homomorphisms (Ravindran 2004), which produce models of reward and transition probabilities in an abstract state space. The second class of methods, like the UTree algorithm (McCallum 1995), learn compact models of the value function quickly from sample data. Models based on MDP homomorphisms can easily be extended such that they are usable across tasks with similar reward functions. However, value based methods like UTree cannot be extended in this fashion. We present results showing a new, combined algorithm that fulfills all three criteria: the resulting models are compact, can be learned quickly from sample data, and can be used across a class of reward functions.
Processing and production of bioresorbable polymer scaffolds for tissue engineering

Considering the increasing shortage of organs for transplantation and the resulting growing need for suitable surrogates, tissue engineering has emerged as a promising field for the repair and the regeneration of diseased tissues and organs. Regardless of the specific tissue engineering strategy, the presence of a scaffold is essential to provide a three-dimensional template for tissue growth and cell adhesion and to maintain the mechanical stability of the tissue defect. Accordingly, several fabrication techniques have been developed for processing polymers into bioresorbable scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. Scaffold properties (eg, porosity, surface chemistry, compressive strength) are designed depending on the proposed use and directly dictate which fabrication technique is needed to match these fabrication requirements. This chapter describes the processing techniques most commonly used to process bioresorbable synthetic polymers and highlights the correlation between the fabrication technique and the properties of the resulting scaffold.
Designing an Application for Social Media Needs in Emergency Public Information Work

Emergency responders increasingly use social media as a means to monitor public information, gather information that could be used in response efforts, and communicate important information during emergency events. However, the adoption of social media into emergency management processes poses socio-technical challenges such as issues of credibility and trust, lack of organizational support, poor tools, and a shortage of resources and training. This study designs, implements, and evaluates an application that supports the work practice of emergency public information officers and their need to gather, monitor, sort, and report social media activity. Based on prior work that examines how social media and the forms of public participation enabled by it are changing public information practice, we iteratively design and evaluate application prototypes using a human-centered process--moving from low-fidelity paper prototypes to a high-fidelity digital prototype that is ready for field use.
Fast Reinforcement Learning using multiple models

Reinforcement Learning aims to find the optimal decision in uncertain environments on the basis of qualitative and noisy on-line performance feedback provided by the environments. During the past four decades, learning theory has grown into a vast field in which a very large number of problems have been studied. One of the primary limitations of reinforcement schemes, acknowledged by workers in the field, is their slow speed of convergence. The principal objective of this paper is to present a new approach, based on the use of multiple models (or estimates), that may alleviate this problem and increase the speed of response. In adaptive control theory, multiple model based methods have been proposed over the past two decades, which improve substantially the performance of the system. The authors undertook to apply similar concepts in reinforcement learning as well, and this paper represents the first effort in this direction. Simple situations of learning in feed-forward networks are considered in the paper, and compared to two different schemes. It is shown that convergence speeds that are more than an order of magnitude faster than those of the first scheme, can be achieved in some cases. While the second scheme is comparable to the new approach in many situations, it is seen to exhibit undesirable behaviour in others, where the new approach is more robust. The latter is currently being extended incrementally and systematically to more complex problems that have been discussed in the literature. The ultimate aim of the authors is to apply this approach to learning in discrete and continuous state dynamic environments.
Milton, Leibniz, and the Measure of Motion

Milton’s description of the ‘high Capitol / Of Satan and his peers’ (I:755–6),1 the aptly named Pandaemonium, leads to a memorable account of its architect’s expulsion from heaven: Men call’d him Mulciber; and how he fell From Heav’n, they fabl’d, thrown by angry Jove Sheer o’er the Crystal Battlements: from Morn To Noon he fell, from Noon to dewy Eve, A Summer’s day; and with the setting Sun Dropt from the Zenith like a falling Star, On Lemnos th’ Aegean Isle: thus they relate, Erring; for he with this rebellious rout Fell long before; nor aught avail’d him now To have built in Heav’n high Tow’rs; nor did he scape By all his Engines, but was headlong sent With his industrious crew to build in hell. (I:740–51)
The Influence of Body Mass Index on Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery With Capsular Plication for the Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement.

Background:It remains unknown how variations in body mass index (BMI) influence outcomes after primary hip arthroscopic surgery with capsular plication for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).Purpose:To evaluate the effect that abnormal BMI (namely, overweight, obese, morbidly obese, and underweight) versus normal weight has on patient-reported clinical outcomes more than 2 years postoperatively from primary hip arthroscopic surgery with capsular plication by a single surgeon.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:A clinical repository containing patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI between January 1, 2012, and January 1, 2014, with a minimum 2-year follow-up was queried. Outcome measures included the Hip Outcome Score (HOS)–Activities of Daily Living (ADL), HOS-Sports, modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain; satisfaction, and Patient Acceptable Symptomatic State (PASS) for the HOS-ADL; scores were collected preoperatively and at 3 mont...
Chapter 10 – Hypothesis Testing: Deciding Between Reality and Coincidence

In this chapter, you will learn how hypothesis testing uses data to decide between two possibilities, often to distinguish structure from mere randomness as a helpful input to executive decision making. We will define a hypothesis as any statement about the population; the data will help you decide which hypothesis to accept as true. There will be two hypotheses that play different roles: The null hypothesis represents the default, to be accepted in the absence of evidence against it; the research hypothesis has the burden of proof, requiring convincing evidence for its acceptance. Accepting the null hypothesis is a weak conclusion, whereas rejecting the null and accepting the research hypothesis is a strong conclusion and leads to a statistically significant result. Every hypothesis test can produce a p-value (using statistical software) that tells you how surprised you would be to learn that the null hypothesis had produced the data, with smaller p-values indicating more surprise and leading to significance. By convention, a result is statistically significant if p 0.05. There are two types of errors that you might make when testing hypothesis. The type I error is committed when the null hypothesis is true, but you reject it and (wrongly) declare that your result is statistically significant; the probability of this error is controlled, conventionally the 5% level (but you may set this test level or significance level to be other values, such as 1%, 0.1%, or perhaps even 10%). The type II error is committed when the research hypothesis is true, but you (wrongly) accept the null hypothesis instead and declare the result not to be significant; the probability of this error is not easily controlled.
Extended Cystogastrostomy with Hydrogen Peroxide Irrigation Facilitates Endoscopic Pancreatic Necrosectomy

Introduction. Walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) is a major complication of acute pancreatitis. We hypothesized that an extended (2 cm) cystogastrostomy opening combined with hydrogen peroxide irrigation can increase the success of endoscopic necrosectomy and decrease the number of required endoscopic interventions. The aim of the study is to assess the safety and feasibility of the technique in the management of WOPN. Methods. This is a retrospective chart review of all cases that underwent EUS with extended cystogastrostomy and hydrogen peroxide irrigation prior to necrosectomy in a tertiary referral medical center. Clinical success was defined as complete resolution of the cyst cavity or a cyst cavity less than 2 cm in size on follow-up imaging. Results. 19 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. The mean size of the walled-off cavity was cm. Technical success of the procedure was 100%. The median number of necrosectomy sessions was 2 (range 1 to 7). Cavity resolution was noted in 18 out of 19 patients resulting in a clinical success of 94.7%. The median follow-up period was 12 months. The adverse events rate in our cohort was 15.7%. Conclusion. Extended cystogastrostomy coupled with hydrogen peroxide irrigation of WOPN cavity is safe and feasible.