Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Constrained viscosity solution to the HJB equation arising in perpetual American employee stock options pricing

We consider the valuation of a block of perpetual ESOs and the optimal exercise decision for an employee endowed with them and with trading restrictions. A fluid model is proposed to characterize the exercise process. The objective is to maximize the overall discount returns for the employee through exercising the options over time. The optimal value function is defined as the grant-date fair value of the block of options, and is then shown by the dynamic programming principle to be a continuous constrained viscosity solution to the associated Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation, which is a fully nonlinear second order elliptic partial differential equation (PDE) in the plane. We prove the comparison principle and the uniqueness. The numerical simulation is discussed and the corresponding optimal decision turns out to be a threshold-style strategy. These results provide an appropriate method to estimate the cost of the ESOs for the company and also offer favorable suggestions on selecting right moments to exercise the options over time for the employee.
Biomechanical Adaptations of the Rat Vagina and Supportive Tissues in Pregnancy to Accommodate Delivery

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesize that in pregnancy and at the time of delivery, the vagina and supportive tissues undergo dramatic alterations to accommodate passage of the fetus. In this study, we sought to characterize these changes in the rat using an established biomechanical testing protocol. METHODS: Seventy-four 3-month-old Long Evans rats divided into virgin, mid and late pregnant, vaginal delivery (immediate and 4-week postpartum), and abdominal delivery (immediate and 4-week postpartum) groups were killed. The biomechanical properties of the vagina and supportive tissues were tested intact as a complex under loading conditions that simulate downward distension. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and post hoc comparisons. RESULTS: Mean linear stiffness (ability of the specimen to resist distension) and ultimate load at failure (maximal resistance of the specimen to distension before disruption) were decreased in pregnancy and at delivery, regardless of delivery route (Ps<.001). Maximal distension was increased at time of delivery (Ps<.001). Four weeks after vaginal delivery, all biomechanical characteristics returned to at least virgin values. CONCLUSION: In the rat, the biomechanical characteristics affording distensibility of the vagina and supportive tissues increased in pregnancy and even further at delivery. It is likely that these represent maternal tissue adaptations that facilitate delivery of the fetus(es).
A STUDY OF PULMONARY EMBOLISM AND DEEP LEG VEIN THROMBOSIS AFTER MAJOR GYNAECOLOGICAL SURGERY USING LABELLED FIBRINOGEN‐PHLEBOGRAPHY AND LUNG SCANNING

The frequency of thrombo‐embolic complications as assessed by objective diagnostic techniques was investigated in 262 patients having major pelvic surgery. The lowest incidence of leg vein thrombosis (7 per cent) was found in patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy. After abdominal hysterectomy for benign pathology the incidence was 13 per cent and after Wertheim's hysterectomy for carcinoma of the cervix 25 per cent. After operation, the highest incidence of leg vein thrombosis (45 per cent) was in patients having surgery for gynaecological carcinoma other than that of the cervix. Fatal pulmonary embolism occurred in two patients (0.7 per cent), one with advanced ovarian carcinoma and the other after surgery for carcinoma of the corpus uteri; non‐fatal pulmonary embolism was diagnosed in six patients (2.2 per cent).
Cephalic arch stenosis in autogenous brachiocephalic hemodialysis fistulas: results of cutting balloon angioplasty.

PURPOSE Cephalic arch stenosis is a known cause of hemodialysis access failure in patients with brachiocephalic fistulas (BCFs). Outcomes of endovascular treatment are affected by resistance of the stenosis to balloon dilation, a high vein rupture rate and the development of early restenosis. The purpose of this retrospective study was to report outcomes after cutting balloon angioplasty (CBA) of cephalic arch stenosis. METHODS In our vascular access database we identified 74 dysfunctional BCFs of which 30 (41%) were caused by cephalic arch stenosis. Seventeen fistulas in 17 patients (13 males and four females; median age 62 yrs; range 52-86) were treated with CBA (June 2005 to January 2008). Twenty-five procedures were performed. In 15 procedures, a cutting balloon was used alone and in 10 procedures CBA was followed by standard or high-pressure balloon angioplasty. Restenosis rates were calculated and patency rates were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS Primary patency rates (+/-SEE) at 3, 6, 12 and 15 months were 94% (+/-6%), 81% (+/-10%), 38% (+/-14%) and 22% (+/-15%), respectively. Assisted primary patency rates (+/-SEE) at the same intervals were 100% (+/-0%), 94% (+/-6%), 77% (+/-12%) and 63% (+/-13%), respectively. The mean interval between radiological interventions was 13 months (SD=8) and the mean number of interventions required per patient-year of dialysis was 0.9. CONCLUSION Treatment of cephalic arch stenosis with CBA did not improve patency compared to published results of conventional PTA, but our results indicate that CBA may lower the frequency of required re-interventions.
Recurrent Stroke/TIA in Cryptogenic Stroke Patients with Patent Foramen Ovale

Background: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is present in 40% of patients with cryptogenic stroke and may be associated with paradoxical emboli to the brain. Therapeutic options include antiplatelet agents, anticoagulation, percutaneous device and surgical closure. We assessed the hypothesis that there are differences in rates of recurrent TIA or stroke between patients in the four treatment groups. Methods: Patients presenting from January 1997 with cryptogenic stroke or TIA and PFO were followed prospectively until June 2003. Treatment choice was made on an individual case basis. The primary outcome was recurrent stroke. The secondary outcome was a composite of stroke, TIA, and vascular death. Results: Baseline. Our cohort consisted of 121 patients; 64 (53%) were men. Median age was 43 years. Sixty-nine percent presented with stroke and 31% with TIA. One or more vascular risk factor was present in 40%. Atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) was present in 24%. Treatment consisted of antiplatelet agents (34%), anticoagulation (17%), device (39%) and surgical closure (11%). Follow-up. Recurrent events occurred in 16 patients (9 antiplatelet, 3 anticoagulation, 4 device closure); 7 were strokes, 9 were TIA. Comparing individual treatments there was a trend toward more strokes in the antiplatelet arm (p=0.072); a significant difference was seen for the composite endpoint (p=0.012). Comparing closure versus combined medical therapy groups, a significant difference was seen for primary (p=0.014) and secondary (p=0.008) outcomes, favoring closure. Age and pre-study event predicted outcome. Conclusion: Patent foramen ovale closure was associated with fewer recurrent events. Complications of surgical and device closure were self-limited.
On zero-truncating and mixing Poisson distributions

The distributions that result from zero-truncating mixed Poisson (ZTMP) distributions and those obtained from mixing zero-truncated Poisson (MZTP) distributions are characterised based on their probability generating functions. One consequence is that every ZTMP distribution is an MZTP distribution, but not vice versa. These characterisations also indicate that the size-biased version of a Poisson mixture and, under certain regularity conditions, the shifted version of a Poisson mixture are neither ZTMP distributions nor MZTP distributions.
Determination of Domperidone in Human Plasma using Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Tandem Mass Spectrometry and its Pharmacokinetic Study

Abstract A sensitive and selective liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the quantification of domperidone (CAS number: 57808-66-9) in human plasma using paracetamol (CAS number: 103-90-2) as an internal standard (IS). Domperidone and paracetamol in plasma were extracted with ethyl acetate, separated on a C18 reversed phase column, eluted with mobile phase of acetonitrile-glacial acetic acid (0.3%) (40:60, v/v), ionized by positive ion pneumatically assisted electrospray and detected in the multi-reaction monitoring mode using precursor→product ions of m/z 426.2→175.1 for domperidone and 152→110 for the IS, respectively. The calibration curve was linear (r2≥0.99, n=5) over the concentration range of 0.2–80 ng/mL and with lower limit of detection and quantitation of 0.05 and 0.2 ng/mL. The speciﬁcity, matrix effect, recovery, sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and stabilities were validated for domperidone in human plasma. In conclusion, the validation results showed that this method was sensitive, economical and less toxic and it can successfully fulﬁll the requirement of clinical pharmacokinetic study of domperidone oral preparation in Chinese healthy volunteers.
OPF with envirenmental constraints with SVC controller using decomposed parallel GA: Application to the Algerian network

Due to the rapid increase of electricity demand, consideration of environmental constraints in optimal power flow (OPF) problems is increasingly important. In Algeria up to 90% of the electricity demand produced by thermal generators (vapor, gas), in order to keep the emission of gaseous pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen (NO2) under the admissible ecological limits, many conventional and global optimization methods proposed to study the trade-off relation between fuel cost and emissions. This paper presents an efficient decomposed Parallel GA to solve the multi objective environmental/economic dispatch problem. At the decomposed stage the length of the original chromosome is reduced successively and adapted to the topology of the new partition. Two sub problems are proposed: the first sub problem related to the active power planning to minimize the total fuel cost, and the second sub problem is a reactive power planning to make fine corrections to the voltage deviation and reactive power violation using a specified number of shunt dynamic compensators named Static Var Compensators (SVC). To validate the robustness of the proposed approach, the algorithm proposed tested on the Algerian 59-bus network test and compared with conventional method and with global optimization methods (GA, FGA, and ACO). The results show that the approach proposed can converge to the near solution and obtain a competitive solution at critical situation and with a reasonable time.
Agrococcus terreus sp. nov. and Micrococcus terreus sp. nov., isolated from forest soil.

Two bacterial strains, DNG5T and V3M1T, isolated from forest soil of the Changbai mountains in China, were characterized using a polyphasic approach. Analysis of their 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strains DNG5T and V3M1T were phylogenetically related to members of the genus Agrococcus (96.0-98.4% similarity) and Micrococcus (96.7-98.0% similarity), respectively, within the order Actinomycetales. Strains DNG5T and V3M1T were Gram-stain-positive and strictly aerobic and formed yellow colonies on LB agar. Cells of strain DNG5T were short, non-motile rods, 0.4-0.5x0. 8-1.0 microm. Strain DNG5T contained MK-10 and MK-11 as the major respiratory quinones and anteiso-C15:0 (49.2%) and iso-C16:0 (22.4%) as the major fatty acids. The diamino acid in the peptidoglycan of strain DNG5T was 2,4-diaminobutyric acid and the murein was of the acetyl type. Cells of strain V3M1T were cocci, 0.6-0.7 microm in diameter. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of strain V3M1T contained the amino acids lysine, glutamic acid, alanine and glycine. Strain V3M1T contained MK-7, MK-7(H2), MK-8 and MK-8(H2) as respiratory quinones and anteiso-C15:0 (78.2%) and iso-C15:0 (13.1%) as the major cellular fatty acids. The DNA G+C contents of strains DNG5T and V3M1T were 75.9 and 67.2 mol%, respectively. The DNA-DNA relatedness of strain DNG5T to Agrococcus jejuensis DSM 22002T, A. jenensis JCM 9950T, A. baldri JCM 12132T and A. citreus JCM 12398T was 58.3, 43.9, 36.1 and 54.1%, respectively. The DNA-DNA relatedness of strain V3M1T to Micrococcus luteus CGMCC 1.2299T, M. antarcticus CGMCC 1.2373T and M. lylae CGMCC 1.2300T was 57.5, 45.4 and 39.0%, respectively. Combining phenotypic and genotypic traits, strain DNG5T represents a novel species of the genus Agrococcus, for which the name Agrococcus terreus sp. nov. is proposed, with DNG5T (=CGMCC 1.6960T =NBRC 104260T) as the type strain. Strain V3M1T represents a novel species of the genus Micrococcus, for which the name Micrococcus terreus sp. nov. is proposed, with V3M1T (=CGMCC 1.7054T =NBRC 104258T) as the type strain.
Characteristics of Thin-Film Transistors Fabricated on Fluorinated Zinc Oxide

Thin-film transistors fabricated on fluorinated zinc oxide have been found to exhibit improved electrical characteristics. The dependence of the extent of the improvement on the amount of fluorine, precisely controlled using ion implantation, is investigated. At a fluorine concentration of 1020/cm3, transistors with a relatively high field-effect mobility of ~60 cm2/V·s have been realized. The enhancement is attributed to the passivation of carrier traps by fluorine. Fluorine concentration in excess of 1020/cm3 is found to result in degraded transistor characteristics.
On the Intention to Use an Online Learning Platform Feature

On the Intention to Use an Online Learning Platform Feature Our research project gives more insight into antecedents of students' intention to use features of an online learning platform. This paper introduces the study year in the UTAUT (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology) model. We also include three constructs that are mentioned in literature on student satisfaction with classic (offline) classes. Statistical tests show that new constructs are statistically significant antecedents of the intent of students to use the new feature. Two new constructs seem as important as the most important UTAUT variables performance expectancy and effort expectancy. The R2 of our model is significantly higher than the R2 that is achieved when the classic UTAUT is applied to our dataset.
Nerve terminals of squid photoreceptor neurons contain a heterogeneous population of mRNAs and translate a transfected reporter mRNA

It is now well established that the distal structural/functional domains of the neuron contain 2a diverse population of mRNAs that program the local synthesis of protein. However, there is still a paucity of information on the composition and function of these mRNA populations in the adult nervous system. To generate empirically, hypotheses regarding the function of the local protein synthetic system, we have compared the mRNAs present in the squid giant axon and its parental cell bodies using differential mRNA display as an unbiased screen. The results of this screen facilitated the identification of 31 mRNAs that encoded cytoskeletal proteins, translation factors, ribosomal proteins, molecular motors, metabolic enzymes, nuclear‐encoded mitochondrial mRNAs, and a molecular chaperone. Results of cell fractionation and RT‐PCR analyses established that several of these mRNAs were present in polysomes present in the presynaptic nerve terminal of photoreceptor neurons, indicating that these mRNAs were being actively translated. Findings derived from in vitro transfection studies established that these isolated nerve terminals had the ability to translate a heterologous reporter mRNA. Based upon these data, it is hypothesized that the local protein synthetic system plays an important role in the maintenance/remodelling of the cytoarchitecture of the axon and nerve terminal, maintenance of the axon transport and mRNA translation systems, as well as contributing to the viability and function of the local mitochondria.
Correlation of symptoms with degree of pelvic organ support in a general population of women: what is pelvic organ prolapse?

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse and the stage of support as determined by the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system. STUDY DESIGN Four hundred ninety-seven women who were seen for annual gynecologic examinations were recruited. Subjects underwent a pelvic examination and their degree of pelvic support was described according to the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system. They also completed a seven-question questionnaire regarding common symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse. Trend analysis was accomplished with linear regression. RESULTS Only 477 subjects correctly responded to the questionnaire. They were aged 18 to 82 years (mean age, 44 years). Forty-seven percent were white, 52% were African American, and 1% were of another racial group. The number of subjects with the various pelvic organ prolapse quantification stages were stage 0 (18 subjects), stage I (214 subjects), stage II (231 subjects), and stage III (14 subjects). No subject had stage IV prolapse. The average number of positive responses per subject for the symptoms was 0.27 for stage 0, 0.55 for stage I, 0.77 for stage II, and 2.1 for stage III. This trend did not attain statistical significance. The correlation of symptoms with the leading edge of the prolapse revealed that the average number of symptoms that were reported per subject increased from <1 to >1 when the leading edge of the prolapse extended beyond the hymenal remnants. This trend was statistically significant. CONCLUSION Women with pelvic organ prolapse with the leading edge of the prolapse beyond the hymenal remnants (some stage II and all stage III) have increased symptoms, which may help define symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse.
The Effects of Cigarette Smoke on the Metabolism of [ 3 H ] Benzo ( a ) pyrene by Rat Lung Microsomes 1

The metabolism of [3H]benzo(a)pyrene and the activities of specific enzymes involved in its further metabolism were studied in lung microsomes from shamand cigarette smoke-exposed and 3-methylcholanthrene-pretreated rats. Benzo(a)pyrene was converted into metabolites cochromatographing with reference dihydrodiols, phenols, and qui Ã±onesas well as some unknown metabolites. Exposure of rats to cigarette smoke increased the formation of different metabolites from 3to 6-fold, whether the exposure was for 1, 10, or 21 days. The metabolite patterns were similar in smoke-exposed and 3-methylcholanthrene-pretreated rats, but 3-methylcholanthrene pretreatment caused a greater increase in metabolite production. Pulmonary aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity was in creased from 3to 6-fold after smoke exposure. The activity of epoxide hydratase (substrate: styrÃ ̈ne oxide) was de creased after 1 day of smoke exposure and did not change after exposure for 10 or 21 days. Glutathione S-transferase activity (substrate: styrÃ ̈neoxide) increased after 1 and 10 days of smoke exposure. No significant changes could be seen in the activity of uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (substrate, 4-methylumbelliferone). Isolated perfused rat lungs and lung microsomes convert benzo(a)pyrene to similar metabolites, but differences were observed in both the absolute and relative amounts of dif ferent metabolites. 9,10-Dihydro-9,10-dihydroxybenzo(a)pyrene and 7,8-dihydro-7,8-dihydroxybenzo(a)pyrene were the major dihydrodiols formed in perfusion experiments, whereas 4,5-dihydro-4,5-dihydroxybenzo(a)pyrene was the major metabolite in microsomes. This difference was prob ably due to differing rates of further conjugation of primary metabolites in the isolated perfused lungs.
Radiation‐induced optic neuropathy: still no treatment

in this issue of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology highlight the continuing problem of treatment of radiation-induced optic neuropathy (RON). This condition is thought to be an ischaemic disorder of the optic nerve that usually results in irreversible severe visual loss months to years after radiation therapy to the brain and orbit. It is most often a retrobulbar process and thus falls into the category of nonarteritic posterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. RON occurs most frequently after irradiation of paranasal sinus and other skull base malignancies, but it may develop after radiation treatment for pituitary adenomas, parasellar meningiomas, craniopharyngiomas, frontal and temporal gliomas, and intraocular tumours. 3–6 It has also been reported after low-dose radiation therapy for dysthyroid orbitopathy, although only in patients with diabetes mellitus. The pathogenesis of delayed radionecrosis in the central nervous system (CNS) is not fully understood. At one time it was thought to be primarily vascular damage with subsequent neuronal injury; however, it may be that both direct effects to replicating glial tissue and secondary effects from damage to vascular endothelial cells are important in the pathogenesis of this condition. 7,8 Somatic mutations in the glial cells induced by ionizing radiation are thought to result in genetically incompetent cells that are metabolically deficient. Over time, these cells gradually increase, producing demyelination and neuronal degeneration. A similar process may occur in vascular endothelial cells, eventually resulting in vascular occlusion and necrosis. This model is consistent with the observed long latent period of delayed radionecrosis, because both the glial and endothelial cells have a slow cellular turnover rate. It is also consistent with the observation of direct neuronal demyelination and degeneration prior to the development of any vascular changes. 9
A Study of Cerebral Palsy in the Childhood Population of Edinburgh

There is increasing interest in the needs of children suffering from cerebral palsy for special education and medical treatment and for measures to render more of them employable. Many schemes to provide facilities for education and employment are being planned, but there are only a few scattered systematic surveys of the incidence of cerebral palsy in childhood, and so the size of the problem is largely unknown. This article presents the results of a recent investigation which was designed to assess the incidence of cerebral palsy in children resident in Edinburgh.