cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regional accumulation of calcium in postischemic rat brain.

: The regional concentrations of intravenously injected 45Ca and total calcium were measured in rat brain during recovery from transient occlusion of the four major arteries to the brain. 45Ca was injected at intervals after ischemia, and the regional distribution of 45Ca was estimated by autoradiography. The 45Ca appeared to enter the brain via the choroid plexus, labeling the paraventricular tissue at 1 h after the injection. Control brains had more 45Ca in the gray matter compared to fiber-rich areas at 5 and 24 h, but within these regions the optical density was nearly uniform. The accumulation and retention of 45Ca in postischemic brain were selective and time-dependent. The regional pattern of 45Ca uptake correlated with the temporal progression of ischemic cell change. Infarction and preischemic hyperglycemia increased morphological damage, and increased the extent and distribution of 45Ca accumulation. The rise in total calcium concentration appeared to be biphasic in irreversibly damaged tissue.
Accounting for Remittance and Migration Effects on Children's Schooling

Summary We examine the impact of remittances on children’s school attendance in the Dominican Republic. To isolate the effect of remittances from the effect of sometimes concurrent household out-migration, we focus on children in households without members currently residing in the United States. While girls’ school attendance rises with the receipt of remittances, secondary school-age children and younger siblings are the ones who most decidedly gain from remittances. Additionally, we find that migration negatively impacts the school attendance of children as it eliminates the positive effect of remittances when we expand the sample to include children in households with members residing abroad.
Some families of optimal and efficient repeated measurements designs

Abstract Conditions that ensure simple information matrices for the estimation of direct and residual treatment effects under an additive, homoscedastic model are given. Examples of designs that satisfy these conditions are presented. For the number of periods not exceeding the number of treatments designs that satisfy the conditions are derived from orthogonal arrays of index unity. Their efficiency is considered and some of them, as well as some other designs, are shown to be universally optimal over certain subclasses of designs.
A note on the (in)consistency of the test of overidentifying restrictions and the concepts of true and pseudo-true parameters

Abstract In the linear instrumental variables model, we characterize fixed alternatives against which the test of overidentifying restrictions (OR) is inconsistent. When there is the notion of a “true parameter”, we relate this inconsistency result to the literature on optimality properties of various versions of the test of OR.
Amino acids are general growth inhibitors of Nicotiana silvestris in tissue culture

The growth of Nicotiana silvestris in suspension culture is inhibited by all of the common protein amino acids at the millimolar level, except for L-glutamine. A defined experimental system for growth/inhibition studies has been established, and growth studies were carried out with cells that had been maintained in the exponential growth phase for at least 10 generations (EE cells). The following results were obtained after particularly detailed studies with aromatic amino acids. The onset of inhibition was preceded by a duration of normal growth rate which varied within a range of 12 to 48 h. The degree of inhibition was directly proportional to amino acid concentration and inversely related to the initial cell density of the inoculum. A slowed, but still exponential rate of growth persisted during an early phase of inhibition. Under sufficiently severe conditions, this was followed by progressive diminution of growth rate and eventual lysis. The most drastic inhibitory effects caused by aromatic amino acids were in the order: phenylalanine, tryptophan and tyrosine. When EE cells cultivated under conditions of growth inhibition were diluted into fresh medium, immediate resumption of growth at the uninhibited rate occurred and persisted. On the other hand, when growth-inhibited EE cells were diluted into medium containing the same concentration of amino acid used in the first round of growth, an initial burst of uninhibited growth lasting about 24 h was followed by a drastic, progressively declining growth rate which deteriorated to cell death and lysis. When cells in stationary phase were used as an inoculum, as is done in typical growth characterizations with suspension cultures, the sensitivity to inhibition during the subsequent exponential growth phase was several-fold greater than was the case with EE cells. Hypotheses that growth inhibition might be caused by ammonia toxicity, keto-acid toxicity, or by inhibition of nitrate utilization were ruled out. Observations that provide new insight are: (i)growth-inhibited cells undergo drastic plasmolysis, (ii) L-glutamine is an effective antagonist of amino-acid inhibitors, and (iii) growth-inhibited cells exhibit a transient restoration of normal growth rate upon dilution into fresh growth medium. These results implicate a linkage of amino acids with osmotic regulation and nitrogen metabolism.
C-terminal region of herpes simplex virus ICP8 protein needed for intranuclear localization

Abstract The herpes simplex virus single-stranded DNA-binding protein, ICP8, localizes initially to structures in the nucleus called prereplicative sites. As replication proceeds, these sites mature into large globular structures called replication compartments. The details of what signals or proteins are involved in the redistribution of viral and cellular proteins within the nucleus between prereplicative sites and replication compartments are poorly understood; however, we showed previously that the dominant-negative d 105 ICP8 does not localize to prereplicative sites and prevents the localization of other viral proteins to prereplicative sites (J. Virol. 74 (2000) 10122). Within the residues deleted in d 105 (1083 to 1168), we identified a region between amino acid residues 1080 and 1135 that was predicted by computer models to contain two α-helices, one with considerable amphipathic nature. We used site-specific and random mutagenesis techniques to identify residues or structures within this region that are required for proper ICP8 localization within the nucleus. Proline substitutions in the predicted helix generated ICP8 molecules that did not localize to prereplicative sites and acted as dominant-negative inhibitors. Other substitutions that altered the charged residues in the predicted α-helix to alanine or leucine residues had little or no effect on ICP8 intranuclear localization. The predicted α-helix was dispensable for the interaction of ICP8 with the U L 9 origin-binding protein. We propose that this C-terminal α-helix is required for localization of ICP8 to prereplicative sites by binding viral or cellular factors that target or retain ICP8 at specific intranuclear sites.
Adhesion Between Human Neutrophils and Immobilized Endothelial Ligand Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule 1: Divalent Ion Effects

Integrin-mediated adhesion of circulating neutrophils to endothelium during inflammation involves multiple adhesion molecules on both neutrophils and endothelium. Most studies of neutrophil adhesion have focused on adhesion to ICAM-1 (mediated by β2 integrins), but interaction with the endothelial ligand vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) may also play a role in neutrophil adhesion to activated endothelium. In this study we demonstrate significant adhesion between neutrophils and VCAM-1 mediated by β1 integrins, principally via α4β1 (VLA-4). We characterize the dynamics of adhesion in terms of rate constants for a two-step bond formation process, the first involving juxtaposition of active molecules with substrate and the second involving bond formation. The results indicate that the first step is rate limiting for VLA-4-VCAM-1 interactions. Changing divalent cation composition affects these coefficients, implicating molecular conformational changes as a key step in the process.
Influences of The Virtual Office on Aspects of Work and Work/Life Balance

Millions of employees now use portable electronic tools to do their jobs from a “virtual office” with extensive flexibility in the timing and location of work. However, little scholarly research exists about the effects of this burgeoning work form. This study of IBM employees explored influences of the virtual office on aspects of work and work/life balance as reported by virtual office teleworkers (n = 157) and an equivalent group of traditional office workers (n= 89). Qualitative analyses revealed the perception of greater productivity, higher morale, increased flexibility and longer work hours due to telework, as well as an equivocal influence on work/life balance and a negative influence on teamwork. Using a quasi-experimental design, quantitative multivariate analyses supported the qualitative findings related to productivity, flexibility and work/life balance. However, multivariate analyses failed to support the qualitative findings for morale, teamwork and work hours. This study highlights the need for a multi-method approach, including both qualitative and quantitative elements, when studying telework.
The frontal plane vectorcardiogram in old inferior myocardial infarcton. II. Mid-to-late QRS changes.

The mid-to-late part of the frontal plane QRS loop (Frank lead system) of 150 consecutive subjects with an old inferior myocardial infarction was analyzed. During the acute episode all cases had to satisfy Myers9 classical ECG criteria for the diagnosis. The vectorcardiogram was recorded months to years later. As a result of this analysis and in order to prevent overlap with values found in 450 normal control subjects, four VCG criteria are proposed for this diagnosis. The VCGs of 75 of the 150 patients fulfilled one or more of the four VCG criteria. The ECG, done at the time of VCG, satisfied Myers9 or Goldberger9s criteria or both criteria in 33 of these 75 patients, and an additional 24 of the 150 fulfilled either or both of these ECG criteria but had none of the four VCG criteria. Among 131 consecutively catheterized subjects who had significant disease of one or more major coronary arteries, 40 fulfilled one or more of the VCG criteria. Thirty-six of the 40 showed significant stenosis of at least the right coronary artery, and the other four, of at least the left circumflex but not of the right coronary artery. Six of these 40 fulfilled Myers9 or Goldberger9s criteria. Five of the 131 fulfilled either or both of these ECG criteria but none of the four VCG criteria.
An active learning module for an introduction to software engineering course

Many schools do not begin to introduce college students to software engineering until they have had at least one semester of programming. Since software engineering is a large, complex, and abstract subject it is difficult to construct active learning exercises that build on the students' elementary knowledge of programming and still teach basic software engineering principles. It is also the case that beginning students typically know how to construct small programs, but they have little experience with the techniques necessary to produce reliable and long-term maintainable modules. I have addressed these two concerns by defining a local standard (Montana Tech Method (MTM) Software Development Standard for Small Modules Template) that step-by-step directs students toward the construction of highly reliable small modules using well known, best-practices software engineering techniques. “Small module” is here defined as a coherent development task that can be unit tested, and can be carried out by a single (or a pair of) software engineer(s) in at most a few weeks. The standard describes the process to be used and also provides a template for the top-level documentation. The instructional module's sequence of mini-lectures and exercises associated with the use of this (and other) local standards are used throughout the course, which perforce covers more abstract software engineering material using traditional reading and writing assignments. The sequence of mini-lectures and hands-on assignments (many of which are done in small groups) constitutes an instructional module that can be used in any similar software engineering course.
The majority vote rule and runoff primaries in the United States

Abstract The major parties in the United States use primary elections to select party candidates for general elections. While most employ a simple plurality vote rule for this purpose, some states, primarily southern, employ a majority rule that requires a runoff between the top two vote recipients if no candidate receives a majority in the initial primary. Data on primaries for state Governor and U.S. Senator from 1980 to 2002 are used to examine contemporary concerns about runoffs. Included in the findings are (1) the problem that majority runoffs address – candidates being selected based on low levels of voter support is not a frequent outcome under the plurality rule; (2) the vast majority of selections is based on a majority of votes in a primary, regardless of whether a simple plurality or majority is required; and (3) runoff primaries are necessary in roughly one-third of the contested primaries held in the majority vote context, and in about one-third of them the primary leader loses the runoff.
Cation-binding sites in trigeminal ganglia and maxillary nerve: unusual reactivity of perikarya, stem axons and satellite cells.

Abstract We have used the cupric/ferrocyanide reaction to study cation-binding in trigeminal ganglia and maxillary nerve of adult rats. Unmyelinated axons did not react, whereas myelinated axons were stained at nodal, paranodal or cleft sites. At ‘nodal’ sites, metallic deposits were found in the axoplasm, along the axolemma, and at the extracellular interfaces of the paranodal myelin. At ‘paranodal’ sites, particles were concentrated in the paranodal axoplasm and in the intracellular spaces of the myelin loops. Most maxillary axons examined at successive sites had all nodal or all paranodal staining, but 13 of 51 had a mixture. In trigeminal ganglia there was no staining of perineurial sheath, endoneurial cells or mast cells. Satellite cells and their basal laminae were prominently stained, with those around small neurons more reactive than those of large neurons. Patches of neuronal membrane on cell bodies were stained, more often for small than large neurons. The axon hillock and proximal stem axon were not stained in some cases, but approximately half the neurons had staining of perikaryal cytoplasm at the axon hillock or a dense asymmetric band in the proximal stem axon. Strong intraaxonal staining was found at the junction between unmyelinated proximal and myelinated distal stem axon. In distal stem axons, staining was found at the first myelin segment and at each successively thicker myelin segment; staining was mostly weak and paranodal, with intensity proportional to myelin thickness. The T-junction between stem and main myelinated axon had nodal or paranodal patterns: unmyelinated T-junctions were not stained. The varied cation-binding patterns in trigeminal ganglia show unusual properties of satellite cells and important differences between stem and main axons. The results suggest that the cell membrane of axon hillock and proximal stem regions of many sensory large and small neurons may have numerous sodium channels and could affect signal propagation.
Associations between Polymorphisms in the Antiviral TRIM Genes and Measles Vaccine Immunity

The role of polymorphisms within the antiviral tripartite motif (TRIM) genes in measles vaccine adaptive immune responses was examined. A limited association was found between TRIM5 (rs7122620) and TRIM25 (rs205499) gene polymorphisms and measles-specific antibody levels. However, many associations were found between TRIM gene SNPs and variations in cellular responses (IFN-γ Elispot and secreted cytokines IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, and TNF-α). TRIM22 rs2291841 was significantly associated with an increased IFN-γ Elispot response (35 vs. 102 SFC per 2×10(5)PBMC, p=0.009, q=0.71) in Caucasians. A non-synonymous TRIM25 rs205498 (in LD with other SNPs, r(2)≥0.56), as well as the TRIM25 AAAGGAAAGGAGT haplotype, was associated with a decreased IFN-γ Elispot response (t-statistic -2.32, p=0.02) in African-Americans. We also identified polymorphisms in the TRIM5, TRIM22, and TRIM25 genes that were associated with significant differences in cytokine responses. Additional studies are necessary to replicate our findings and to examine the functional consequences of these associations.
Effect of hypothermia on cortical and thalamic signals in anesthetized rats

Beneficial effects of hypothermia on subjects with neuro-pathologies have been well demonstrated in both animal studies and clinical trials. Although it is known that temperature significantly impacts neurological injuries, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We studied the effect of temperature modulation on neural signals in the cortex and the thalamus in uninjured brains of anesthetized rats. Six rats were divided into a hypothermic (32 to 34 °C, n=3) and a hyperthermic group (38.5 to 39.5 °C, n=3). EEG, and extracellular signals from somatosensory cortex and the ventral posterolateral nucleus of thalamus were recorded at different temperature phases (normothermia (36.5 to 37.5 °C) and hypothermia or hyperthermia). During hypothermia, similar burst suppression (BS) patterns were observed in cortical and thalamic signals as in EEG, but thalamic activity was not completely under suppression when both EEG and cortical signals were electrically silent. In addition, our results showed that hypothermia significantly increased the burst suppression ratio (BSR) in EEG, cortical and thalamic signals by 3.42, 3.25, 7.29 times respectively (P<;0.01), and prolonged the latency of neuronal response in cortex to median nerve stimulation from 9 ms to 16 ms (P<;0.01). Furthermore, during normothermia, the correlation coefficient between thalamic and cortical signals was 0.35±0.02 while during hypothermia, it decreased to 0.16±0.03 with statistical significance (P<;0.01). These results can potentially assist in better understanding the effects of hypothermia.
Chemotherapy of Pneumococcal (Type II) Meningitis in the Rat

ConclusionsA cerebro-spinal meningitis due to a Type II pneumococcus has been produced in the rat. Oral treatment with sulfanilamide, instituted after this disease was well established, resulted in 73.3% cures; with 4,4'-di-(acetylamino)-diphenylsulfone, 40% cures, and with no treatment, 100% fatality. It is quite evident that the sulfone compound was not as effective against this pneumococcal strain as sulfanilamide.
A relative standard for minimal risk is unnecessary and potentially harmful to children: lessons from the Phambili trial

This commentary discusses the Phambili trial and whether or not it is ethical to enroll 16- and 17-year old adolescents into the ongoing study of an HIV vaccine in South Africa. It provides a background and an ethical analysis on the vaccine trial. It recommends that adolescent subjects should not be included in the Phambili (HVTN 503) study until after the interim efficacy analysis and a decision to permit adolescent enrollment would require a trend in favor of the experimental HIV vaccine at the interim efficacy analysis.
A Search For Precursors Of Slip In Robotic Grasp

A process of slip between the robot gripper and the object being held was hypothesized. Using multiple modes of contact sensing, experiments were performed to detect evidence that would confirm the hypothesis. Some evidence was found. The experiments, results, and their potential significance are discussed.© (1987) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Perturbation calculation of atomic correlation energies for the first transition period

Abstract Results are presented for calculations of Hartree—Fock and correlation energies for the 3d n 4s 2 and 3d n +1 4s ground and excited states of the first transition series atoms using second-order Moller—Plesset perturbation theory starting with an unrestricted Hartree—Fock wavefunction.
Posthumanist data analysis of mangling practices

In this paper, I argue against traditional coding in interpretive data analysis and offer a posthumanist alternative that offers qualitative researchers a new way to create ontological becomings in their reading of data. I begin with an overview of how humanism enables us to think qualitative data analysis as coding, and then counter human-centered inquiry with a description of Pickering’s mangle and its potential as a both a figuration and a different tool for analysis. I then give an example of a reading of data as/in/of the mangle. I show the agentic features of both human and non-human elements of the mangle to move away from epistemological representations of the “real” to practices of decentering the human in social science inquiry. I conclude that using Pickering’s posthumanist ontological theory of agency is one gesture toward the becoming of what the editors of this issue call post-qualitative research.
Revisiting the Cultural Dope

This essay focuses on the “cultural dope,” an ironic reference in Harold Garfinkel’s Studies in Ethnomethodology to the rule-following actor in conventional sociological theories. In the nearly half-century since the publication of that book, the “cultural dope” has been incorporated into numerous criticisms of “models of man” in the human sciences. Garfinkel’s account appeals to many writers because it seems to present an alternative picture of the actor: an individual who is self-aware, reflective, and skilled in the conduct of daily affairs. A problem with such a generalized picture of the actor is that it may seem to encourage uncritical acceptance of whatever “the public” (or a broad segment of the public) happens to believe or support. This paper revisits Garfinkel’s account of the cultural dope, and contrasts “conservative” and “radical” readings of what Garfinkel does with that figure. The “conservative” reading leaves the edifice of a social-structural model largely intact, and provides an alternative, more complex, picture of individual action than that of a cultural dope. The “radical” reading places relevant social structures in a dependent relation to the contingencies of action, and thus destabilizes the very theoretical edifice that sets up the problem of how to integrate individual actions with stable social structures. In line with the “radical” reading, this paper suggests that Garfinkel creates serious difficulty for any generalized “model of man,” regardless of whether it portrays the individual as active or passive, well-informed or ignorant, or reflexive or not.
Nanobiotechnology: Protein arrays made to order

Symmetric protein molecules can be fused together with genetic techniques to produce molecular building blocks that self-assemble into specific ordered structures.
Gauge-dependent critical properties of the nematic to smectic-A phase transition in the 1/N-expansion

A generalized de Gennes model for the nematic to smectic-A transition with an N complex component order parameter, Ψ, is studied in the 1/N expansion. This model is similar to the Landau-Ginzburg model for the superconducting transition with deviations, δn, of the director from its uniform equilibrium value, n0, playing the role of the vector potential. It is, however, not gauge invariant, and properties of Ψ change under gauge transformations : ψ = Ψ eiqoL, A = δ n + ∇L. Phase fluctuations in ψ are a maximum in the physical (LC) gauge with δn 〉 n0 and a minimum in the gauge (SC) with ∇.A = 0. A continuum of gauges parameterized by an angle θ with θ = 0(θ = π/2) corresponding to the LC (SC) gauge is introduced. Isotropic and anisotropic critical behaviour is found as in the e-expansion. Thermal critical exponents ν and α are independent of gauge. Magnetic exponents γ and η depend continuously on 0 for 0 < θ < π/2. The susceptibility χ LC in the LC gauge is related to that, χSC, in the SC gauge via χLC = χsc(exp g) where g is negative and more than logarithmically singular in reduced temperature, t, and wave number q near criticality because the splay elastic constant K0 1 behaves as a dangerous irrelevant variable. Precursors of the smectic phase Landau-Peierls instability in three dimensions appear in g in the nematic phase. It is argued that this unusual behaviour of χ LC may be responsible for mosaicity seen in X-ray experiments.
On the core of a land trading game

Abstract This paper examines the relationship between the existence of core allocations of an exchange economy with land and the properties of individual preferences over land. An example is given that shows that core allocations might not exist if preferences are only continuous and monotone. It is argued that complementaries between parcels are the cause of this non-existence. Several classes of utility functions are then given that guarantee the existence of core allocations. These classes include additive utility, which is currently the only known assumption on preferences implying a competitive equilibrium exists in this type of economy.
Comments on softness parameters and metal ion toxicity

Abstract A recent paper by Jones and Vaughn on the correlation of chemical softness with metal toxicity (LD 50 ) is examined. Some newer LD 50 data are used here and several inconsistencies in the presentation of data in their paper are noted. Our observations do not alter Jones' and Vaughn's important conclusion that useful correlations appear to exist between metal toxicity and parameters that express chemical softness.
Ictal EEG changes with corpus callosum section.

Summary: Corpus collosum section diminishes but does not completely abolish secondary bilaterally synchronous interictal EEG discharges, yet often causes cessation of generalized seizures. The effects of corpus callosum section on ictal EEG patterns have not been described. We contrasted ictal EEG patterns before and after anterior callosotomy in 18 patients and before and after total callosotomy in 10 patients. Bilaterally synchronous seizure onset was disrupted in 5 of 11 anterior section patients and 5 of 5 total section patients. Seven of 18 anterior section patients and 5 of 10 total section patients had more localized seizure onset after the procedure; localization to the frontal lobe was observed after anterior or total section, but only total section patients had newly demonstrated posterior locations of seizure onset. These data suggest that the mechanisms by which bilaterally synchronous interictal and ictal discharges are generated differ. Although brainstem or diencephalic structures may contribute to formation of interictal bilateral synchrony, the corpus callosum may be the only pathway used in producing apparent bilateral synchronous seizure onset in patients with secondarily generalized seizures.
Studying small purse-seine vessel fishing behavior with tuna catch data: Implications for eastern Pacific Ocean dolphin conservation

Despite achievements in dolphin conservation for the tuna purse-seine fishery of the eastern Pacific Ocean, debate continues about the magnitude and importance of dolphin mortality caused by small (unobserved) vessels. In-port sampling of tuna catch size composition is a potentially cost-effective means of identifying unobserved vessels that may be catching tunas associated with dolphins because yellowfin tuna caught in association with dolphins are larger, on average, than those caught in other types of purse-seine sets. A classification algorithm to predict purse-seine set type (“dolphin” vs. “nondolphin”) was built from port-sampling data on yellowfin tuna length-frequencies and the date and location of fishing of large (observed) vessels. This classification algorithm was used to screen the port-sampling data of small vessels collected during 2006-2009, assuming the fishing practices of the two groups resulted in similar catch characteristics. From these results, hypothetical time series of dolphin mortality for small vessels were constructed and incorporated into a population dynamics model, along with mortalities of large vessels. Results suggest that any dolphin mortality of small vessels is unlikely to be substantially affecting trends in dolphin abundance. These results underscore the importance of in-port sampling, in combination with at-sea observation and fishery-independent surveys, to effective management.
Does colonoscopy cause increased ulcerative colitis symptoms

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) patients often report symptom flares after colonoscopy. However, this has not been documented in the literature. Objectives: 1. Determine whether colonoscopy is associated with increased UC symptoms. 2. Determine whether there is a need for escalation of UC medications after colonoscopy. 3. Identify baseline variables associated with increased symptoms after colonoscopy. Methods: Firty-five outpatients with a history of UC, intact colon, and quiescent disease were enrolled in a prospective case-crossover study. Subjects were evaluated with the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI) before colonoscopy, 1 week and 4 weeks after colonoscopy. A mixed model analysis was used to accommodate nonindependence of repeated measurements on the same patients. Results: Fifty-one (91%) subjects completed the study. Six subjects had clinical relapse defined by a score of 5 or greater on the SCCAI during the week after colonoscopy. Five subjects increased their 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) medications immediately postcolonoscopy, two of whom had a SCCAI 5 or greater. Multivariate modeling demonstrated a clear association between the week immediately after colonoscopy preparation and increased disease activity, with the time period being predictive of increased SCCAI (week 1 vs. week 4, P = 0.0127). The baseline SCCAI (P value < 0.0001) and prednisone use (P = 0.0120) were predictive of increased SCCAI postcolonoscopy. Thiopurines (P < 0.001) were protective against increased symptoms. Conclusions: In our study, 1 in 8 subjects had UC relapse by SCCAI immediately postcolonoscopy, and 1 in 10 subjects required an increase in their 5-ASA medications. Clinicians should be cognizant of this effect of colonoscopy in patients with UC. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2007;13:12–18)
How to Hedge an Option Against an Adversary: Black-Scholes Pricing is Minimax Optimal

We consider a popular problem in finance, option pricing, through the lens of an online learning game between Nature and an Investor. In the Black-Scholes option pricing model from 1973, the Investor can continuously hedge the risk of an option by trading the underlying asset, assuming that the asset's price fluctuates according to Geometric Brownian Motion (GBM). We consider a worst-case model, in which Nature chooses a sequence of price fluctuations under a cumulative quadratic volatility constraint, and the Investor can make a sequence of hedging decisions. Our main result is to show that the value of our proposed game, which is the "regret" of hedging strategy, converges to the Black-Scholes option price. We use significantly weaker assumptions than previous work—for instance, we allow large jumps in the asset price—and show that the Black-Scholes hedging strategy is near-optimal for the Investor even in this non-stochastic framework.
Design, synthesis, and surface activity of amphiphilic perfluorinated oxazoline polymers

Polymers derived from 2-[2-(perfluoroalkyl)ethyl]-2-oxazolines have been prepared in very good yields with molecular weights up to 50000. The polymers are crystalline with melting temperatures (Tm's) varying from 180 to 232°C depending on the length and type of the perfluorinated side chain, have good thermal stability and are soluble in fluorinated solvents. They are effective as modifiers of surfaces of hydrophilic polymers, such as nylon-6,6, and give acceptable complement activation parameters. Factor C3a (μg/ml) released is 5.3 in contrast to positive control value of 45.2 (activated sepharose) and negative control = 4.8. A 1:1 mixture of 2-octyl-2-oxazoline and 2-[2-(perfluorohexyl)ethyl]-2-oxazoline copolymerize to give a block copolymer that exhibits two separate Tm's. The partially perfluorinated polymers also form stable monolayers at air-water interface.
Adhesive and electrical properties of the interface between Pb 1 − x Mn x Te Crystals and In-Ag-Au alloy

The effect of annealing of Pb1 − xMnx Te crystals at ∼690 K and structures on their basis at ∼383 K on the adhesive and electric properties of the interface in the Pb1 − xMnx Te-(In-Ag-Au) structure was studied over the temperature range ∼77–300 K. The contacts possessed high adhesive strength. The effect of annealing on contact resistance rc was determined by a change in the specific resistance of crystals, diffusion of Ag atoms into the near-contact area of crystals, and the formation of intermediate phases of the Ag2Te type at the interface.
The Psychosocial Adjustment of the Southeast Asian Refugee: An Overview of Empirical Findings and Theoretical Models

This article summarizes the clinical and research literature on the psychosocial adjustment of the Southeast Asian refugees in the United States and proposes the adoption of theoretical models that may be helpful in explaining individual differences in adjustment processes. Available evidence indicates that depression and stress-related symptoms are commonly found in refugees, whereas age, English proficiency, and socioeconomic indicators have been correlated with adjustment variables. Acculturation, learned helplessness, and stress management models appear to be beneficial in conceptualizing refugee adjustment problems and in providing a rational foundation for future research efforts.
Inclusive versus exclusive: A cross-national comparison of the effects of subnational, national, and supranational identity

A superordinate identity reduces bias and facilitates intergroup cooperation. This suggests that getting European Union (EU) citizens to identify with Europe will decrease outgroup hostility. Is Eu...
Population size and diversity of Frankia in soils of Ceanothus velutinus and Douglas-fir stands

Abstract The influence of host plants on Frankia populations was investigated using soils from Ceanothus velutinus (Dougl.) and Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) stands. Population sizes of Ceanothus -infective Frankia in the soils were measured using plant bioassays with C. velutinus, C. sanguineus (Pursh), and C. integerrimus (H. & A.) as trap plants. The Frankia population in soil from the C. velutinus stand soil was about 10 times higher than that from the Douglas-fir stand. This result supports previous reports that, although the presence of host plants increases Frankia populations, Frankia persist without host plants. Nodulation capacities of the three trap plants were not significantly different. All nodules showed N 2 fixation activity using the acetylene reduction assay. The diversity of Frankia that nodulated trap plants was examined using repetitive intergenic DNA and the polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR). A newly designed, direct repeat sequence and a BOX sequence were used as rep-PCR primers. The results showed that infective Frankia in the two soils contained a common group of Frankia as well as some Frankia strains unique to each soil. The level of host specificity of the infective Frankia was low; however, one group of Frankia nodulated only C. integerrimus seedlings. Taken together, the results suggest that the higher populations in the soil from the C. velutinus stand may be due to preferential increases in particular groups of Frankia .
Engineered cell homing

One of the greatest challenges in cell therapy is to minimally invasively deliver a large quantity of viable cells to a tissue of interest with high engraftment efficiency. Low and inefficient homing of systemically delivered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), for example, is thought to be a major limitation of existing MSC-based therapeutic approaches, caused predominantly by inadequate expression of cell surface adhesion receptors. Using a platform approach that preserves the MSC phenotype and does not require genetic manipulation, we modified the surface of MSCs with a nanometer-scale polymer construct containing sialyl Lewisx (sLex) that is found on the surface of leukocytes and mediates cell rolling within inflamed tissue. The sLex engineered MSCs exhibited a robust rolling response on inflamed endothelium in vivo and homed to inflamed tissue with higher efficiency compared with native MSCs. The modular approach described herein offers a simple method to potentially target any cell type to specific tissues via the circulation.
Reducing the complexity of application deployment in large data centers

The deployment and configuration of distributed applications is a human intensive and highly complex process that poses significant challenges to data center operators. The process involves many cross-cutting concerns such as connectivity, performance, and security requirements, as well as resource availability, policies and best practices. These interdependencies represent a significant source of complexity, cost, and risk in data center management. In this paper we address this problem using a new approach that leverages concepts from the model-driven architecture research domain. We describe a prototype application deployment automation system based on model transformation techniques. We show how model transformation techniques can replace the manual process of writing and adapting scripts and workflows, reduce the deployment complexity, guarantee configuration integrity and consistency, and allow for a separation of concerns.
Applying Benefit/Cost Analysis To Identify and Measure the Benefits of Intelligent Transportation Systems:

The guidance provided by benefit/cost analysis (BCA) is used to identify the measures appropriate for assessing the benefits of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) investments using BCA. Proper recognition of how ITS differs from conventional transportation improvements can avoid expensive data collection, serious underestimates of the benefits of ITS, and mistakes in our planning and investment policies. The steps in BCA are described, including its strict rules governing the inclusion of benefit measures. An ITS causal model chain is presented that links the five traditional ITS goals (efficiency, mobility, safety, productivity, and energy/environment). The model chain varies from the conventional planning model because the ITS mobility and productivity benefit measures do not vary directly with its safety, energy, and environmental impacts. Recommendations are given for avoiding double counting ITS mobility and productivity benefits, and for identifying them correctly. Errors in valuing the mobili...
Changes in body weight, composition, and shape: a 4-year study of college students

The objectives of this study were to examine changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI), body composition, and shape in a group of male and female students over the 4-year college period. Anthropometric assessments including height and weight (via standard techniques), body composition (via bioelectrical impedance analysis), and body shape (via 3-dimensional body scanning) were conducted at the beginning of the freshman year and end of the senior year in 131 college students. Four-year changes included significant (p < 0.0001) gains in weight (3.0 kg), BMI (1.0 kg·m(-2)), body fat (3.6%), and absolute fat mass (3.2 kg). Males gained significantly (p < 0.0001) greater amounts of weight, BMI, percent and absolute fat mass, and fat-free mass than females. Weight change ranged from (-)8.7 to (+)16.8 kg. About 70% of the participants gained weight, which averaged 5.3 kg; significant (p < 0.0001) gains in BMI, fat-free mass, absolute fat mass, and percent body fat and significant (p < 0.0005) increases in neck, chest-bust, waist, hips, seat, and biceps circumferences were also observed in this weight gain group. The percentage of participants classified as overweight-obese increased from 18% to 31%. The number of females and males with ≥30% and 20% body fat, respectively, increased from n = 14 to n = 26 (with n = 4 exhibiting normal weight obesity) over the 4-year period. The waist circumference changes were significantly (p < 0.0001) correlated with both weight and percent body fat changes. In conclusion, the increasing prevalence of obesity and normal weight obesity among this college population suggests the need for additional health promotion strategies on college campuses.
Atypical multinucleated cells form in long-term marrow cultures from patients with Paget's disease.

Abstract Although Paget's disease is the most flagrant example of a primary osteoclast disorder, little is known of osteoclast biology in this disease. In this report we have studied the formation of cells with the osteoclast phenotype in long-term cultures of marrow mononuclear cells derived from patients with Paget's disease, and compared these with similar cells formed in long-term marrow cultures from normal individuals, and with osteoclasts present in pagetic bone. Osteoclasts formed in pagetic marrow cultures resembled osteoclasts present in pagetic bone, but were distinctly different from osteoclasts formed in normal marrow cultures. Osteoclast formation was 10-20-fold greater in pagetic marrow cultures than in normal cultures. The multinucleated cells formed in cultures of pagetic marrow were much larger in size, were hyperresponsive to 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D, had more nuclei per cell, had increased levels of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity and had ultrastructural features which were not seen in multinucleated cells formed from normal marrow mononuclear cells. These pagetic marrow-derived multinucleated cells formed large resorption lacunae on calcified matrices and cross-reacted with monoclonal antibodies which preferentially bind to osteoclasts. The multinucleated cells formed from marrow obtained from uninvolved sites in Paget's patients also displayed these abnormal features.
The visual pigment and vitamin A of Xenopus laevis embryos, larvae and adults

Abstract We have extracted the visual pigment of dark-adapted Xenopus laevis tadpoles at Nieuwkoop-Faber stages raning from 39 to 58. The quantity extracted was as little as about 0·02 pmol per eye at stage 39 and increased to as much as 392·4 pmol per eye at stage 58. The visual pigment was identified as a porphyropsin with λ max at 519 nm, and was identical with that present in dark-adapted adult retinas. At no time could we find any evidence for the presence of rhodopsin in tadpoles or adults. Confirmation of the absence of rhodopsin in the adults was provided by investigating light petroleum extracts from freeze-dried dark-adapted pigment epithelia and bleached isolated retinas. Only 3-dehydroretinol (vitamin A 2 ) was present, there being no trace of retinol in either tissue. In contrast, the liver vitamins A contained 62% of retinol.
Moderation of the Expectancy-Alcohol Use Relation by Private Self-Consciousness: Data from a Longitudinal Study

This study investigated whether the relation between alcohol outcome expectancies and alcohol use may be moderated by individual differences in private self-consciousness (PSC). Quantity/frequency of alcohol use, expectancies, and PSC in a sample of young adults were assessed annually over 4 years. Regression equations were used to predict alcohol use from expectancies, PSC, and their interaction while controlling for sex and family history of alcoholism. High PSC was associated with a stronger association between expectancies and alcohol use than was low PSC, although only in participants of legal drinking age. Also, PSC was negatively associated with alcohol use for underage participants when expectancies were statistically controlled, consistent with previous work linking PSC to adherence to legal proscriptions. Findings are discussed in relation to a model of expectancy accessibility.
Moses’ praise and blame – Israel’s honour and shame: Rhetorical devices in the ethical foundations of Deuteronomy

This article analyses the rhetorical devices of praise and blame employed in Moses’ speeches in the book of Deuteronomy. Praise and blame are mainly used in the framework of the central Law Code, Deuteronomy 1–11, 26–34. Some of the most prominent occurrences of Moses’ rhetoric of praise and blame form literary inclusions, in parallel (Dt 4:7; 33; 29) and contrasting (Dt 4:6; 29:24; 32:6) ways. Both praise and blame are used to inspire faithfulness to God and obedience to the Torah. In this way, Moses forms Israel’s ethical values as the foundation of the people’s legal order.
Electrostatic tuning of optomechanical cavities to semiconductor quantum dots

The integration of optomechanically coupled photonic crystal cavities to indium arsenide quantum dots is studied experimentally and theoretically. Electrostatic tuning results for one- and two-dimensional photonic crystals are presented.
Insulin entry into muscle involves a saturable process in the vascular endothelium

Aims/hypothesis Insulin's rate of entry into skeletal muscle appears to be the rate-limiting step for muscle insulin action and is slowed by insulin resistance. Despite its obvious importance, uncertainty remains as to whether the transport of insulin from plasma to muscle interstitium is a passive diffusional process or a saturable transport process regulated by the insulin receptor.
Multiresolution methods for financial time series prediction

Summary form only given. Fractional Brownian motion (fBm), a 1/f, fractal process, has long been considered a plausible model for financial time series. A fractal structure of the market, indicating the presence of correlations across time, hints at the possibility of some predictability. Recent advances in time/frequency localized transforms by the applied mathematics and electrical engineering communities provide us with powerful new methods for the analysis of this type of process. In fact, it has been proven by Wornell that the wavelet transform is an optimal (KL) transform for fBm processes. With this result, we consider using the wavelet decomposition to analyze financial time series. Specifically, the discrete wavelet transform can be used to decompose a signal into several scales, while maintaining time localization of events in each scale. In terms of financial time series, we can conceptually think of each of these scales as the contribution to the price movement from the information and traders associated with a given investment horizon, for instance, long term traders, such as institutional investors, basing their trades on long term information, form the low-frequency component of the market. Once we have extracted out these scales, we can view each as a stationary time series, which can be modeled, analyzed and predicted individually, either independently, or in conjunction with other scales and data that is relevant to that scale. For the case of prediction, the forecasts from each scale can be fused together, with traditional techniques such as hard coded decision rules, or with a neural network, to arrive at tomorrow's direction and/or price.
A stochastic model for coupled enzyme system

The molecular biology of transformed cancer cells singles out key enzymes as sensitive targets of anti-cancer drugs. Here we use one substrate–one intermediate–one final product model for a coupled enzyme system. The transfer rates for the mechanism are taken as continuous but subject to random fluctuations. Explicit formulae for the first moments of the distribution of the process are obtained. These formulae allow us to take into account not only the variability between the subjects, but also the variability of the process for a single subject. The present results allow us also to build the prediction interval for a particular time period given the observations for some preceding moments.